10/11/2018
Home front food - rationing
Lots of food was sent away to feed the soldiers fighting in the war. There was also less food arriving from other countries because ships bringing supplies were often attacked by German submarines called U-boats.
Food became very expensive. People panicked and soon there were very long queues outside shops.
School dinners were introduced because lots of children were missing school to queue for food.
Government posters encouraged families to save food so there would be more to feed the soldiers fighting.
In the countryside, many men and farm horses had been sent off to war. They were replaced by women who worked hard to grow the much-needed food. They called themselves 'The Women's Land Army'. Conscientious objectors (men who felt morally opposed to fighting) also worked the land.
Many children helped too, but without horses to pull the heavy ploughs it was really tough work.
'Don't waste it'
In 1918, new laws set by the government introduced rationing, a way of sharing food fairly. Sugar, meat, flour, butter, margarine and milk were all rationed so that everyone got what they needed.
Each person had special ration cards, even King George and Queen Mary.
The cards could only be used at certain shops. Families had to say which butcher, baker and grocer they would buy food from.
The rules were very strict. Anyone found cheating could be fined or even sent to prison.
