Before WWII started Britain imported about 55 million tons of food a year from other countries, however, a month after the war had started this figure had dropped to 12 million tons. After war was declared
on September 1939, the British government had to cut down on the amount of food that was imported, as German submarines were attacking British supply ships. Due to this, the British government begin to worry that it would lead to food shortages, so they decided to introduce a system of rationing.Rationing made sure that people got an equal amount of food every week. The government was worried that as food became rarer, prices would soar and poor people would not be able to afford the food. There was also the danger of some people hoarding food, leaving none for others.
How long was food rationed for?
Rationing of food lasted for 14 years and ended on July 4, 1954.
How did food rationing work?
When people went to buy food, the items they bought were crossed off in their ration book by the shopkeeper.
Rationing of food lasted for 14 years and ended on July 4, 1954.
How did food rationing work?
When people went to buy food, the items they bought were crossed off in their ration book by the shopkeeper.
How much food was one person allowed to buy per week during the war?
The weekly ration varied from month to month as foods became more or less available .
A typical ration for one adult per week was:
-Butter: 50g
-Bacon and ham: 100g
-Margarine: 100g
-Sugar: 225g
-Milk: 3 pints (1800ml) -Cheese: 2oz (50g)
-Eggs: 1 fresh egg a week
-Tea: 50g
-Jam: 450g (1lb) every 2 months
-Dried eggs: 1 packet every 4 weeks
-Sweets: 350g every 4 weeks
This is harsh,
ReplyDeleteafter two years food rationing started they also started rationing clothes
they were given 60 coupons and it was later reduced to 48 a year
and they had to use these coupons to buy clothes
a jacket would cost 11 coupons for adults and 9 for children
if they ran out they couldn't get anymore
scary....