Food Rationing


During WWII, rationing was introduced in many countries, including Britain, the Commonwealth nations, and the USA.


In January 1940, the British Ministry of Food restricted the sale of imported goods like tea, coffee, sugar, tobacco, chocolate and fruit. Clothing rations were introduced a year later.


Other imported goods were also rationed, like petrol, textiles, and even soap.


The British Isles were essentially under siege. German submarine attacks on merchant navy ships crossing the Atlantic meant that supplies weren’t getting through. The basis of rationing was to ensure that the population wouldn’t be starved into submission. It wasn’t popular, but the sacrifice was necessary for survival.


Each family was awarded a weekly limit - including the Royal Family. Ration books containing coupons were issued and families were required to register with a local shopkeeper in order to receive their rations.


Rations were subjected to strict price controls and even having the money didn’t mean you could get what you wanted. Consequently, a black market flourished to meet the public demand.


Rationing in Britain finally ended in 1954 – almost a decade after the Allied victory.