Why was rationing introduced?
Before the start of World War II, Britain imported around two-thirds of its food. Once war was declared in Sept. 1939, the British Government had to find ways to ration foodstuffs as German U-boats were attacking British supply ships.
Children's rations differed from those of adults. The Ministry of Food considered it essential that children received enough food to support their growth.
113g = 0.5 Big Mac
3 eggs
227g = whole lemon cake
25g = I slice Dairylee cheese
57g = 4 tablespoons
71g = 1.5 Mars Bars
Adults had a much more restricted diet during rationing.
113g = 0.5 Big Mac
1 egg & dried eggs
227g = whole lemon cake
57g = 2 slices Dairylee cheese
57g = 4 tablespoons
340g = large box Celebrations every 4 weeks
Ration books were introduced to ensure that everyone received their fair share of food.
Everyone - women, men & children - was given a ration book with coupons.
The Ministry of Food, 19391958, was responsible for overseeing rationing, ensuring everyone had a nutritious diet.
It produced leaflets, created Advice Centres & developed recipes to help people make the most of their rations.
Rationing created many challenges for British cooks, with the shortages causing home cooks to be inventive when producing meals for their families.
The Ministry of Food produced several 'Food Flash' films.
Food Flash films included: Click on images to see films
It wasn't just food...
By 1942, food wasn't the only thing which was rationed in Britain. Scarce commodities included clothing, shoes, fuel and soap.
Everyone had queue for something......
It wasn't just
Clothing coupons, ration books and price controls meant that the Black market thrived during WWII.
The Black Market aimed to help people avoid rationing and get items which were being rationed by the government.
Rationing didn't fully end until 1954 in Britain. Meat was the last item to be taken off the ration list.
Rationing had lasted for 14 years.