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British Food Rationing, First World War, 1918
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British Food Rationing, First World War, 1918
Diagram showing the weekly butchers meat ration allowed for an adult (with children receiving half the amount). Rationing was introduced at the end of World War One when ships carrying food from abroad were being routinely attacked by German U-boats and food was needed to feed soldiers at the front, consequently causing people to panic buy. New laws were introduced by the British Government to combat the problem. Ration books were issued that gave both rich and poor the same amount of food every week. Date: 1918
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Media ID 14410335
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Butchers Coupon Coupons Diagram Meat Ministry Ration Rationing Rations Week Weekly Weeks Weight Curd
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This evocative diagram from 1918 illustrates the weekly butchers' meat ration allowed for an adult during the food rationing period in Britain towards the end of the First World War. With ships carrying food from abroad under constant threat of attack by German U-boats, the British Government introduced new laws to combat the resulting food crisis and prevent panic buying. Rationing was implemented to ensure that both rich and poor received a fair and equal amount of food each week. The diagram shows that an adult was allocated a weekly meat ration of 10 ounces (283 grams), with children receiving half that amount. The rationing system was administered through the issuance of ration books, which included coupons that could be exchanged for specific food items. The Ministry of Food and the local authorities were responsible for the distribution and enforcement of the rationing scheme. The introduction of rationing brought a sense of unity and fairness to the population during a time of great hardship. It also led to innovation and creativity in the use of available food resources, with many households experimenting with meat substitutes such as curd and other vegetarian dishes. The rationing system remained in place until the late 1940s, long after the end of the First World War, and played a significant role in shaping the British diet and food culture.
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