With the upcoming of WWII, there was multiple challenges that confronted the American people. The government found that it was necessary to ration food, gas, and even clothing during this time. Americans were asked to conserve on anything and everything. With not a single person went unaffected by the war, rationing meant sacrifices for all.
In early 1942, the Food Rationing Program was set into motion. Although Rationing would really a lot of things it affected the way of life for most Americans the most. The federal government needed to control the supply and demand. Rationing came into place to avoid public anger with shortages and made it so not only the wealthy were able to purchase goods.
While industries were affected, individuals felt the effects very strongly. People were often required to give up many of their goods, there was an increase in employment. The individual efforts changed into clubs and organizations coming to terms with the immediate circumstances. By joining together to support and maintain supply levels for the troops meant making daily adjustments. Their efforts also included scrap drives, taking factory jobs, goods donations and other projects to assist those had needed it.
The government sponsored ads, radio shows, posters and pamphlet campaigns urged the American people to obey. With a sense of urgency, the campaigns interested the American's to contribute by however they had to, without complaint. The propaganda was a highly effective tool in reaching the masses.
While some food items were scarce, other items did not require rationing, and Americans adjusted accordingly. "Red Stamp" rationing covered all meats, butter, fat, and oils, and with the exceptions of, cheese. Each person was allowed a certain amount of points weekly with expiration dates to put into consideration. "Blue Stamp" rationing covered canned, bottled, frozen fruits and vegetables, plus juices and dry beans, and such processed foods as soups, baby food and ketchup. Ration stamps became a kind of money with each family being issued a "War Ration Book." Each stamp authorized a purchase of rationed goods in the quantity and time designated, and the book guaranteed each family its fair share of goods made scarce, thanks to the war.
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