<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ Paul A. Allaire
--------------------------------
Paul A. Allaire
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for her and in her
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or her substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue herself.
/s/ Rozanne L. Ridgway
--------------------------------
Rozanne L. Ridgway
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ Duane L. Burnham
--------------------------------
Duane L. Burnham
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ Frans H.J.J. Andriessen
--------------------------------
Frans H.J.J. Andriessen
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ Charles W. Coker
--------------------------------
Charles W. Coker
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ James S. Crown
--------------------------------
James S. Crown
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ Willie D. Davis
--------------------------------
Willie D. Davis
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.
--------------------------------
Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ James L. Ketelsen
--------------------------------
James L. Ketelsen
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ Hans B. van Liemt
--------------------------------
Hans B. van Liemt
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for her and in her name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or her substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue herself.
/s/ Joan D. Manley
-----------------------------
Joan D. Manley
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ Richard L. Thomas
--------------------------------
Richard L. Thomas
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ John D. Zeglis
--------------------------------
John D. Zeglis
Dated: September 25, 2000
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Roderick A. Palmore and R. Henry
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending July 1, 2000,
and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue himself.
/s/ Frank L. Meysman
--------------------------------
Frank L. Meysman
Dated: September 25, 2000
