Rationing

Rations were introduced by the Government

Britain did not have enough farmland to sustain its increased population. The problem was solved by importing a large number of goods from the British Empire.

The German Government tried to disrupt delivery of goods by sea to Britain. Many British merchant ships were destroyed by German U-boats.

In order to cope with reduced supplies, the Government introduced food rationing in 1940.

• The Government organised the rationing of foodstuffs, clothing and fuel during the war.
• The price of restaurant meals was limited.

The video below looks at the regulation of the wartime kitchen.

Rationing helped to change attitudes - the fact that everyone was restricted to buying a certain amount of goods, created a sense of sharing and cooperation in Britain.

It was accepted that the Government was more involved in people’s health and food intake.

The video below looks at the role of British restaurants during World War Two and some of the food served up.