What food could people eat during World War One?

How much food was there during World War One?

Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and bread were hard to find.

There were long queues outside shops.
Lots of food was sent away to feed soldiers fighting in the war.
There was less food arriving, as ships carrying supplies were attacked by German submarines.
In 1918 the Government brought in rationing.

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Watch our video to find out more about rationing during World War One.

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Ration cards could only be used at certain shops
Families had to say which butcher, baker and grocer they would buy their food from.
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Rationing was not a popular idea with the British public
As the war went on and food became harder to find, the Government had to introduce it. Pictures like this helped people to work out their rations.
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Anyone found cheating could be fined or sent to prison
The government also controlled the price of food. Anyone who sold above the set price could also face fines.
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The government did not control the price of vegetables
Because of this they became very expensive and most people had a lot less fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet.
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Wartime rationing led to new foods being produced
One food advertised as 'quite new' in Britain was tinned tuna.
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National Kitchens were opened for war workers and poorer people
They served cheap, healthy meals for those most affected by high prices and shortages. Charities also opened soup kitchens to help people.

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The grocer sold shoppers many of the everyday things they needed
Their packed window displays were a common sight. Among the things they sold are a few brands we still have today.
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The butcher was an important part of the high street
People bought pork, beef, tripe (part of a cow's stomach), pigs' trotters (feet), mutton (older sheep) and rabbits.
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The poulterer sold birds like chickens, ducks and geese
They often had large displays with rows of all the different types of birds hanging from the shop front.
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Sweets like chocolate, fudge and liquorice allsorts were available
Sweet shops and tearooms stayed open. Sugar was hard to find, but the government thought family businesses were important.
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People read newspapers to keep them up-to-date
The papers didn’t always tell the whole story. Soldiers on leave often noticed how little people at home understood about the war.
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The ironmonger sold tools, buckets, pans and other items
By the end of the war, ironmongers had less to sell because lots of metal was needed to make weapons.