US food rationing

[Gabe]

Could anyone point me towards a website perhaps, or enlighten me on what food rations looked like in the US? I can’t seem to find much info that’s specific enough and I’d like to try it for a month or so.

 

[LizzieMaine]

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/the-ration-book-diet.31782/

Food rationing in the US varied depending on the specific year -- sugar was the first item rationed, in May 1942, followed by coffee that December, most canned and processed foods in February 1943, and finally most types of fresh meat in March 1943. The only foods not rationed at any point during the war were fluid milk and eggs.

Here's a short instructional film that explains how the "point rationing" system worked.

 

[Tiki Tom]

[QUOTE="] I’d like to try it for a month or so. [/QUOTE]

This intrigued me.
My first thought was "No. That couldn't be a thing. Could it?"

But I guess it is (especially in the UK):

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/20...n-diet-woman-loses-seven-stone_n_5061383.html

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ration-Book-Diet-Mike-Brown/dp/0750939451

 

[LizzieMaine]

Rationing in the US coincided with the first official attempt to establish official daily nutritional recommendations --

Rationing was designed to work in conjunction with these recommendations, and while the balances are different from those promoted today, the idea was still to provide a "scientifically-balanced" diet in a way that most Americans had never really considered before. The carbohydrate-and-protien-heavy layout seen here was specifically designed to provide extra energy for the demands of wartime labor -- it wouldn't be all that good if you sit at a desk all day, but if you're riveting wing supports on a B-29 or turning a lathe in a precision-parts factory, it will "keep 'em flying."

 

[Turnip]

Do I understand that right, that there has been kind of a „one size fits all“ rationing system, rather than a distinguished one, differing by physical requirements of different jobs / work loads for example?

 

[LizzieMaine]

Yep, rationing in the US applied to everyone the same way. Every citizen was issued a ration book, right down to infants. Nobody was "entitled" to extra rations, although there were plenty of black market sources around for people who thought they were. There were plenty of people eating old milk-wagon horses chopped up for "beef" they bought from some guy off the back of a truck.

 

[Turnip]

That’s why, since those times, rabbits and relatives always were and still get sold with feet on their legs here......and why cats are also called roof rabbits...

Thank you very much for your fast reply!

 

[Edward Reed]

There were plenty of people eating old milk-wagon horses chopped up for "beef" they bought from some guy off the back of a truck.

And in most of the country during WWII horse meat was inspected and sold in stores and butcher shops as a substitute for hard to get rationed beef

 

[LizzieMaine]

"New Jersey Beefsteak" it was called...

 

[Edward Reed]

"New Jersey Beefsteak" it was called...

I "accidentally" had horse meat once. I didn't know the difference. the burger was fine by me. I was in China where they serve a lot of horse meat. I ate a lot of strange things there... pretty sure I did NOT have cat or dog.. well, maybe dog.. not able to confirm that I didn't. I did however see these wet markets first hand and the cats in cages... for sale as "medicinal purposes" I ate a lot of jellyfish like substance coated and dipped in very spicy sauces. my mind was fine eating real Chinese food but after a few days my stomach was not. I turned white as a ghost at a restaurant and had to excuse myself. I was fine with the food and it all tasted fine but my body said otherwise. But I digress...
This is a great thread though and I too think I will see about the ration diet just to get a sense of eating during the war.... thanks for the info!

 

[LizzieMaine]

That "Man O' War Packing Company" is just cruel. I wonder if they sell "deviled horsemeat" spread to serve on seabiscuits?

 

[Edward Reed]

That "Man O' War Packing Company" is just cruel. I wonder if they sell "deviled horsemeat" spread to serve on seabiscuits?

let me warn you then not to google images related to those above. they get graphic. I'm a meat eater but... yah. I agree with you on that.

 

[Tiki Tom]

At one of the open air markets here in Vienna, there is still a horse meat stall. Admittedly, it is the only one in the city, as far as I know.

 

[Turnip]

In Germany you could buy Horse-Wieners/Dogs/Franks...in many supermarkets and on farmer’s markets, we also still got some artisanal horse butchers around in G.
In France you can buy fresh horse meat and horse products in any supermarket.

And it’s pretty yummy!

Fuuuury...!!!

 

[MisterCairo]

Rationing in Canada started in January 1942. The CBC did some shows on it, had a family live as a unit for a week, including gender roles.


https://www.cbc.ca/life/backintimef...stere-1940s-your-guide-to-episode-1-1.4646466

https://www.e-know.ca/regions/east-kootenay/wartime-rations-meant-canadian-cooks-got-creative/

 

[MisterCairo]

Thread also reminded me of the English film A Private Function, from 1985. Taking and hiding a pig during Britain's post- war rationing.

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0089838/?ref_=m_login

 

[Rainbower]

Although the thread may be a few years old, the concept of rationing during World War II remains both historically significant and relevant to discussions of sustainable eating practices.
When considering a ration-style diet with a focus on organic natural foods, it's essential to remember the context of food scarcity during wartime. People had to make the most of what was available while ensuring they had enough to support the war effort.
Exploring this concept can be an insightful way to learn about history and appreciate the importance of mindful consumption. While the thread may have originated three years ago, the lessons and practices from that era can still be applied to our lives today, promoting responsible and sustainable eating.