Rationing

With the start of world war II, the government was very concerned about how they were going to provide britain with everything they needed to survive, especially food. With only half of food being produced in Britain and the rest being imported, they needed to come up with a solution and fast. A committee was set up to help with the idea of rationing. They were in charge of how rationing was going to be achieved, as well as what would be rationed and when. The government hoped this would mean that everyone got their fair share and that everyone would have a healthy and balanced diet to help win the war. They needed everyone to be able to fill the gaps of the men fighting for their country, whether it be in a factory or working on the land. 


It was decided that everybody should be issued with a ration book and was given instructions to register with their local butcher and grocer. Special ration books were to be given to those working in heavy industry and pregnant women to ensure they got enough nutrition. Supplements were also given to children in the form of orange juice and cod liver oil.


The main foods that were rationed were meats, butter, cheese, jam, fats, milk and sweets. Although milk was rationed to three pints a week, it was an increase for most people.


From the start of the war in September 1939, petrol was rationed. This was so that everybody had their fair share and meant that many car owners had to save up there coupons to go out for the day. In January 1940, butter, bacon and sugar was rationed, soon followed by meat in March. July saw tea and margarine rationed and by December 1940, the sale of silk stockings was banned. Next to be rationed was all cosmetics except for lipstick in February 1941, soon to be followed by clothing in June 1941. Although all of these items were gradually rationed, a lot of them had been hard to get hold of since the start of the war.


The government set up the 'Dig For Victory' compaign in the hope that it would motivate Britain to grow more of their own produce. This would also mean that they would be getting vegetables for a lot less cost, as all they needed to do was make sure they had all the tools needed and start growing. By 1943, there was over 1,400,000 alotments as a result of the 'Dig For Victory' campaign.