Did You Know... Food Rations in WW2 - Saline County Library

During World War 2, access to some resources became difficult due to supply lines being cut or resources being redirected to the war effort. Some foods and ingredients were rationed so that soldiers on the front lines could have supplies. Meat, sugar, and even coffee was vital for US troops, but that didn’t mean it was impossible to get on the home front. A portion of these supplies were still available to civilians, but not at the volume they were used to before the war. Rationing books were issued to ensure everyone had access to necessary goods like food or fuel.

Since families had limited access to some ingredients, changes needed to be made at the dinner table. One major change was the necessary subsitutes for sugar. With supply routes in the Phillipines and Cuba being targeted by Japanese and German forces respectively, America lost access to its largest sources of sugar. Recipes were altered to make up for the reduced portions, utilizing substitutes like honey, molasses, and fruit.

Meat was another highly rationed food. While meat was still available, choice cuts would have cost a large portion of your rationing points. Variety meats like ground beef and organ meats were considerably cheaper. These limitations lead people to get creative with their recipes. Many of them are still considerably cheap today! These creative “Ration Recipes” were shared through local newspapers between 1942 and 1945 including papers available in Arkansas.

WIN a Fun Prize!

Try out our “Online Resource Scavenger Hunt” by visiting the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette from our website and discovering the answers to a few questions. Then, come to the library to pick up your prize!

Complete the Scavenger Hunt below or visit the library to get started!

Online Resource Scavenger Hunt: World War 2

In August of 1944, while the allies liberated Paris on the front page, on page 5 you find out how much a Secretary Pen cost. What was the price?(Required)

On April 21, 1898, while Spain and the US were "Clearing for Action," what train leaves Union Station at 7:55 AM and arrives in Pine Bluff at 10:30 AM?(Required)

While Apollo 11 was on it's way to the moon, back on Earth, who was being crowned Mrs. Arkansas?(Required)

On the front page on February 1, 1990, what major fast food chain opened it's doors for the first time in the USSR?(Required)

While America was celebrating it's Bicentennial, in the comics Beetle Bailey told the Sarge _____ was writing graffiti on the wall. Who was it?(Required)

What is your first and last name?(Required)

Library Card Number(Required)

Phone Number or Email Address(Required)