Eating

Introductory Essay

"Canada has determined to change the eating habits of a nation, because she has learned that efficient production of food is only half the victory. It takes efficient consumption, too, to give full…

School lunches in wartime

This leaflet contains menu and cooking tips that were aimed at improving the nutrition of schoolchildren.

Wisenotes.pdf (20.76 MB)

Food is Everybody's Business

This handbook describes Canada's Food Conservation Program and details the factors contributing to the increasing demand for domestic food production.

Food Everybody.pdf (13.6 MB)

Temporary Ration Card

Temporary ration cards were issued to members of the armed forces on leave or visitors to Canada, such as tourists. The coupons had the same value as those in standard ration books but had no expiry date.

The Wartime Garden

This detailed bulletin offers advice for small- and large-scale vegetable gardens and outlines methods for soil preparation, planting, and cultivation.

Wartime Garden.pdf (5.05 MB)

Growing food in wartime

This pamphlet urges civilians with small backyards to produce their own healthy vegetables and offers advice on how to do so under wartime conditions.

Temporary ration card

During the Second World War, Canadians became accustomed to carrying coupons for most commodities, such as this temporary ration card.

"The Lunch Box is on the march"

This pamphlet offers ideas for healthy lunches based on Canada's official food rules and food groups.

Lunch Box.pdf (1.49 MB)

Make the most of your meat ration

This pamphlet emphasizes preparation and preservation methods to extend one's meat ration.

Meat Ration.pdf (3.75 MB)

Eat like the RCAF

Inspired by a Royal Canadian Air Force film entitled "Training Tables," this booklet was aimed at improving nutritional standards by encouraging Canadian civilians to eat as well as the men and women in uniform.

What They Eat.pdf (3.29 MB)

Using less sugar

Civilians were encouraged to be conservative with rationed food items. This document offers recipes for desserts, taking into account the strict rationing of sugar.

Sugar Savers.pdf (9.56 MB)