It was not until the early 1950s that most commodities came ‘off the ration’. Meat was the last item to be de-rationed and food rationing ended completely at midnight on 4 July 1954.
In January 1940 the British government introduced food rationing to ensure fair shares for all at a time of national shortage. Every man, woman and child was given a ration book with coupons. Basic foodstuffs, such as sugar, meat, fats, bacon and cheese, were rationed and housewives had to register with particular retailers.
This was a typical weekly food ration for an adult:
- Bacon & ham 4 oz.
- Other meat value of 1 shilling and 2 pence (equivalent to 2 chops)
- Butter 2 oz.
- Cheese 2 oz.
- Margarine 4 oz.
- Cooking fat 4 oz.
- Milk 3 pints.
- Sugar 8 oz.
Tinned goods, dried fruit, cereals and biscuits were rationed using a points system, with the number of points changing according to availability and consumer demand. Priority allowances of milk and eggs were given to those most in need, including children and expectant mothers.
Fruit and vegetables were never rationed but were often in short supply, especially tomatoes, onions and fruit shipped overseas. The government encouraged people to grow vegetables in their own gardens and allotments. This scheme became known as ‘Dig for Victory’.
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