My father found this in a box recently.  He was six.  This was his ration book. October 10, 1942. He was old enough at the time to remember how it was.

war rations 4

war rations 2

His family was not well-off, though they managed.  They worked in steel mills, grew many of their own fruits and vegetables, had chickens for eggs and protein, bartered, baked and made things from scratch.

war rations 5

war rations 1
“Give your whole support to rationing and thereby conserve our vital goods.  Be guided by the rule: ‘If you don’t need it, DON’T BUY IT.’ “

I know reality for many throughout the world is far worse.  I also know that plenty have to ration food daily, perhaps because of war,  perhaps because of lack of means, or perhaps simply a lack of food.

It gave me pause to think about what might cause food rationing in the United States in the future:  maybe war again; maybe massive climate challenges; maybe an unintentional destruction of the food supply through genetics, disease, or chemicals.

Grow Your Own and Practice Sustainability

Some of my posts are about great restaurants (Blackfish and Blackfish again, Babes, Sabatinos) and others about grow your own food and bake your own bread (Zucchini, Black Walnuts, Figs, and turnips and spinach).

Many from my father’s generation still do grow their own food. After mostly skipping a couple generations (Boomers and X, also known as processed food and convenience food generations respectively), it seems like a lot of Millennials are getting back into growing their own food – albeit for a different reason. Good for them.  Great for all of us.

My Earth Day Thought

Support backyard gardens and animals, support community gardens and crop shares, and most importantly support sustainable practices.

back yard farm
A backyard family farm (chickens for eggs, goats for milk, alpacas for wool, and bees for honey and pollination) plus vegetables

Plant a tree today.