December 28, 1942

FOOD RATIONING IN FEBRUARY

Half of Food to Military in 1943

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Secretary of Agriculture Claude Wickard, head of the War Foods Administration (WFA), ordered Office of Price Administration (OPA) head Leon Henderson to begin rationing of almost all commercially produced fruits and vegetables beginning in February of next year. Wickard indicated that while the supply of food is sufficient to fulfill civilian needs, nearly half of the country’s commercial food production would be needed by the military and our allies next year. Rationed foods will be distributed under a points system. Henderson stated, “Upon the effective date of the program, retailers should be in a position to honor ration stamps for all consumers.” War Ration Book Number 2 will contain food ration stamps and will be issued prior to the February implementation.