Food was an issue in WWII! Merchant ships from America laden with food and supplies were being attacked by German U boats, and the Royal Navy protecting these convoys was suffering severe losses. Occupied Europe could not provide the imports we needed! Food was in short supply, and rationing had to be introduced!
In 1940, British experts from the world of food science gathered to share their thoughts and expertise. In a series of lectures, later published as "a book of national importance", Lord Woolton, Minister for Food assessed their findings. They all agreed on the importance of
protective foods - milk, cheese, wholemeal bread or grains, vegetables and potatoes and also the urgent need for increasing the nation's food production. A healthy workforce and fighting force was essential to the defence of our island nation!
In wartime Britain rations for one adult, for one week included,
- 4 oz bacon or ham
- 2 oz butter
- 2oz cheese
- 3 pints of milk, sometimes 2 pints (skimmed or dried milk was available each month)
- 8oz sugar
- 1 shell egg
- 2oz tea
- 2oz margarine and 2oz cooking fat
- A monthly points system also allowed for a tin of fish or meat or 2lb dried fruit.
Many housewives also involved with war work, now had to provide nutritious meals from rations, at least from the rations that were available, and keep their families well fed.
Britain responded to these challenges. Home Economists gave demonstrations in markets and large shops to show hard pressed housewives and mothers how to provide nourishing meals for their families. Canteens and restaurants were created in the factories, for workers, to ensure a healthy diet was available.
The Women's Voluntary Service provided food for bomb victims, and in some air raid shelters provided hot drinks and snacks. The Women's Institute set to work preserving
and canning large quantities of fruit and making jam for distribution. The Women's Land Army took on men's work on the farms to ensure food production continued, and every available space, parks, gardens or flowerbeds were used for growing food. Winston Churchill succeeded in keeping morale high with his "Dig for Victory" and "Grow your Own" campaign, but it was also the determination of the British people that ensured that our island nation avoided being starved into submission!
Source
The Nation's Larder and the Housewife's Part therein - A Set of Lectures delivered at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, in April, May, June 1940. Published by G Bell and Sons, Ltd, 1940.*
Manpower - The Story Of Britain's Mobilisation For War Ministry of Labour and National Service by the Ministry of Information 1944
We'll Eat Again by Marguerite Patten In Association With The Imperial War Museum
*
from Mike's Militaria, 3, Worcester Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV2 4LD, 07951 262629, Evenings 01922 479557. (Military items bought and sold.)
