What were rations?

During the great world wars, food and other supplies were being sent to the men who were fighting overseas. That left supplies short for the women and children,, 4F's, and elderly who remained in the country, not fighting.

The following things were rationed during WWII:

Rationed Items Rationing Duration
Tires January 1942 to December 1945
Cars February 1942 to October 1945
Bicycles July 1942 to September 1945
Gasoline May 1942 to August 1945
Fuel Oil & Kerosene October 1942 to August 1945
Solid Fuels September 1943 to August 1945
Stoves December 1942 to August 1945
Rubber Footwear October 1942 to September 1945
Shoes February 1943 to October 1945
Sugar May 1942 to 1947
Coffee November 1942 to July 1943
Processed Foods March 1943 to August 1945
Meats, canned fish March 1943 to November 1945
Cheese, canned milk, fats March 1943 to November 1945
Typewriters March 1942 to April 1944

People were issued ration books, and could buy only what was unused in their ration books. Sort of like food stamps today, but even more limited.

cherokeepatti · 61-69, F

@4meAndyou There were at least 4 times more small family farms back then than now. They could have bee hives for honey to sweeten things, produce their own meat, dairy, eggs, grains & produce and were able share with their extended family for things that would otherwise require ration stamps if they were to buy them in the stores. But even farmers were frugal not to waste food. People who had close access to lakes and rivers could also fish and put some food on the table that way. And more people started gardening, they called that trend during WWII “Victory Gardens”. Missouri was known for raising mules that were used for transportation since tires and gasoline was rationed. After the war was over the demand for mules went down and so did some railroad routes that had been used to transport grains to market. The village my grandpa lived in became a “ghost town” as most of the population moved away to larger towns or cities to get jobs. They could finally travel to do tht.

Justme264 · 70-79, M

I am marginally too young to remember but my parents had to have their own chickens in the UK in the early 50's to be able to get any eggs

Roundandroundwego · 61-69

Wartime togetherness. People accepting sacrifices so they can kill. Americans doing what they do always.

QCDog2659 · 61-69, M

How a poorly educated person pronounced "nations."

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