During World War I, America's food production industry was far removed from war-torn Europe, and America’s civilians had easy access to food while European civilians were victims of starvation. The United States Food Administration was established in 1917 to oversee the food reserves for the U. S. Army and its allies. Wide-scale rationing of food and commodities was introduced in the U. S. and the surplus sold to European partners. Concepts such as "meatless Mondays" and "wheatless Wednesdays" were also implemented to help ration food, so that the government could prioritize the war effort.
The Home Card pictured here was issued by the United States Food Administration to provide rationing tips for homemakers. Suggestions included replacing wheat, beef, pork, dairy products, and sugar with items in abundance such as fruits, vegetables, and potatoes. The card encourages patronizing local producers, and promotes the "Clean Plate Club" for children, teaching them to finish their entire meal and not waste anything.
Caption information source: http://www.easternct.edu/germinaveris/the-food-administration-of-herbert-hoover-and-american-voluntarism-in-the-first-world-war
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
