War Ration Book No. 3

War Ration Book No. 3

Rationing During WWII

During WWII, the United States Government mandated the rationing of specific goods, foodstuffs, and items. This included meats, fats, fish, diary products, tires, and fuel oil in addition to other materials that were needed to support the war effort. The Office of Price Administration was created to oversee the rationing program and issued rationing books to Americans in an effort to control the consumption of goods as well as the prices charged by merchants. Public announcements were issued regarding the use of rationing stamps regulating how many stamps would be required to purchase a limited amount of goods. Exchanging ration books on the black market and purchasing regulated goods was illegal. Beyond channeling resources to support the war, the rationing program operated to unite Americans and give them a sense that even civilians were essential to the effort.

Office of Price Administration, United States Government

1943

Anonymous, CSUSM History Harvest, Spring 2015

Image: CSUSM History Department

jpg; Booklet; Closed: 4" x 5 3/4"

English