April 19, 1943

LOWER FOOD SUPPLIES

Meat Rationing Stays By-Week

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Department of Agriculture yesterday announced lowered estimates of the civilian supply this year for many foods, including meats, poultry, fish, milk and its products, fats, and fruits. Reports on crop prospects, livestock supplies, and requirements by the military and lend-lease agreements resulted in the lowered estimates of civilian supply. Labor available for farm work was also a factor in the lowered estimates. The department stated, “The biggest problem with exceeding or even attaining this volume of production, assuming favorable weather, is scarcity of farm labor and farm machinery.” Also announced yesterday by the Office of Price Administration (OPA), meat rationing will remain on a by-week basis in the month of May. The OPA had expressed hope when meat rationing started in March that the by-week system would be temporary and a by-month system would be implemented. However, the meat supply is not at a level that would permit people to expend meat coupons two or three weeks ahead of time, according to the OPA.