Exhibit 99.1

Lancaster Colony Acquires Operating Assets of Warren Frozen Foods

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Lancaster Colony Corporation (Nasdaq:
LANC) announced today that it has acquired the operating assets of Warren Frozen
Foods, Inc., a privately owned producer and marketer of frozen noodle and pasta
products based in Altoona, Iowa.

Bruce L. Rosa, president of Lancaster Colony's Specialty Foods Group, said, "The
Warren Frozen Foods name has a longstanding and well-recognized presence in the
industrial and foodservice markets. We feel Warren's strength in these markets
nicely complements our existing Reames frozen noodle operations, which have a
greater presence in retail markets. Warren's current annual sales volume exceeds
$18 million, and the cash purchase price was somewhat greater than one times
sales."

Mr. Rosa said, "We are particularly pleased that the Warren senior
management will continue to direct the acquired operations as a division of our
Reames Foods, Inc., which is also based in the Des Moines area. This team
provides us with additional management depth as well as important market and
product knowledge." Michael Warren, 55, is vice president-general manager and
Terry Warren, 51, is vice president of manufacturing.

"We have an ongoing interest in growing our specialty foods business through
good-fitting acquisitions such as Warren Frozen Foods," Mr. Rosa said.

The Lancaster Colony Specialty Foods Group's retail focus is on the supermarket
produce department and frozen case, and its foodservice focus is on national
restaurant chains. Well-known products include T. Marzetti's salad dressings,
vegetable dips and fruit dips; Chatham Village croutons; Cardini's, Girard's and
Pfeiffer dressings; New York Brand, Sister Schubert's and Mamma Bella frozen
breads and rolls; Reames frozen noodles and pastas; Inn Maid premium dry egg
noodles; Mountain Top premium frozen pies; and Romanoff caviar.

This news release contains forward-looking statements related to future growth
and earnings opportunities. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions
and assessments made by management of the company in light of its experience and
perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future
developments and other factors it believes to be appropriate. Actual results may
differ as a result of factors over which the company has no, or limited,
control. Management believes these forward-looking statements to be reasonable;
however, undue reliance should not be placed on such statements, which are based
on current expectations. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update
such forward-looking statements. More detailed statements regarding significant
events which could affect the company's financial results are included in the
company's Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Lancaster Colony Corporation

-0- 12/12/2003

/CONTACT: John B. Gerlach, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Lancaster Colony
Corporation, +1-614-224-7141; or Investor Relations Consultants,
+1-727-781-5577, or email, lanc@mindspring.com, for Lancaster Colony
Corporation/

(LANC)

CO: Lancaster Colony Corporation; Warren Frozen Foods, Inc.
ST: Florida, Illinois
IN: FOD HOU AUT
SU: TNM