Rationing in World War 2

Recently my mother, who is now 76, came across a couple of her World War 2 ration books that she had as a young child. I was fascinated to see these artifacts which are still in very good condition despite being more than 60 years old. I wanted to share these rare items with you.

During World War 2, American citizens at home were asked to conserve everything. The government found it necessary to ration food, gasoline, rubber, and many more commodities, even clothing.

In the spring of 1942, the Food Rationing Program was introduced with the goals of preventing public pique at shortages and to preclude people with more means from acquiring an unfair portion of scarce goods.

Rationing controlled the amount of commodities that persons could buy. Not all items required rationing, however. All meats, butter, fat, and oils, and most cheese were regulated with "Red Stamp" rationing. Each individual was allowed a number of points weekly. "Blue Stamp" rationing controlled the distribution of canned, bottled, and frozen fruits and vegetables, plus juices and dry beans; and such processed foods as soups, baby food and ketchup.

Rationing also employed a point system. But many Americans grew frustrated and confused trying to decide what coupons went with which items, how many points they needed to purchase them, and that some coupons did not require points at all.

Rationing also controlled the distribution of clothing, shoes, coffee, gasoline, tires, and fuel oil. With each new coupon book came new rules and deadlines. Rationing of gas and tires depended on the distance to a person's job. X stickers on cars permitted their owners unlimited supplies and were obviously highly prized.

An unintended and serious side effect of the rationing programs was the rise of a "black market" dealing in the illicit sale of rationed goods at inflated prices. Meat, sugar, and gasoline were the staples of the black market trade in the US.

In 1944, ration coins were introduced. These pressed cardboard coin-like tokens allowed vendors to make change on purchases made with ration stamps.

For more images of World War 2 rationing items, visit this site World War II Rationing.









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