Plant a Victory Garden, Our Food is Fighting - Managing the Food Supply during World War II

Title

Plant a Victory Garden, Our Food is Fighting - Managing the Food Supply during World War II

Description

"During World War II, the government had to ration certain foods (e.g., sugar, cheese, eggs, and coffee). In light of labor and transportation shortages, it was more difficult to harvest produce. To solve this problem, citizens were encouraged to plant "Victory Gardens", thereby providing their own fruits and vegetables.
Across America, close to 20 million gardens were planted in empty lots, backyards, and even rooftops. As an act of patriotism, all different kinds of foods were planted and cooperatives were formed. On a similar note, canning was also encouraged so that commercially canned foods could be used for the troops.
Victory Gardens ended with World War II, but as a result of these efforts, 9-10 million tons of fruits and vegetables were harvested.
This colorful poster depicts a family harvesting their own fruits and vegetables. The viewers were reminded that ""A Garden Will Make Your Rations Go Further,"" and the child in the picture emphasized the fact that all members of the family could be involved with Victory Gardens.
Although World War II may have jump started the economy, it also restricted the nation's food supply. Careful management was needed to ensure that both soldiers and civilians were well fed, and in this sense, healthy eating became a patriotic duty. Eating guidelines were established in the National Wartime Nutrition Guide, which was published by the USDA in 1943.
Thriftiness was important, and women were urged to "keep the family producing, conserving, and saving." Carefully planned shopping trips and use of leftovers were recommended and "victory gardens" (i.e., home gardens) were also encouraged.

Creator

Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations Branch. Bureau of Special Services.

Date

1941-1945

Source

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61y98yBHyrL._SY606_.jpg

Relation

For Further Exploration Please Visit http://bit.ly/QK0yX6

Rights

Source: Victory Gardens during World War II. (n.d.). Wessels Living History Farm. Retrieved October 4, 2012, from http://bit.ly/QUEIR7

Publisher

Living History Farm

Contributor

Living History Farm

Format

Medium: Poster

Language

English

Type

Poster

Identifier

Victory Gardens, Eating, World War II

Coverage

United States

Files

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61y98yBHyrL._SY606_.jpg

Reference

Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations Branch. Bureau of Special Services., Plant a Victory Garden, Our Food is Fighting - Managing the Food Supply during World War II, Living History Farm, 1941-1945

Cite As

Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations Branch. Bureau of Special Services., “Plant a Victory Garden, Our Food is Fighting - Managing the Food Supply during World War II,” Virtual Museum of Public Service, accessed March 28, 2024, https://vmps.omeka.net/items/show/539.