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…

Foods for the post-war family

This guide provides rules for post-war healthy eating, approved by the Canadian Council on Nutrition.

Family Food.pdf (13.35 MB)

Home canning in wartime

To reduce the stress on resources, families were encouraged to increase the shelf life of their perishable foods by canning them at home. This is a guide to preparing and preserving fruits and vegetables, including berries, peaches, plums, and pears.

Cooking for a crowd

This book sought to provide meal solutions for larger institutions, rather than homemakers. During the Second World War it was consulted by a Guelph, Ontario, food distribution company.

Christmas Dinner, 1918

The staff of the Canadian Discharge Depot at Buxton made the 1918 Christmas festivities as pleasant as possible, in the full knowledge that the soldiers were desperately keen to get home.

Rations for a soldier on leave

Soldiers on leave were issued with ration books so that they did not have to consume the rations of their civilian hosts.

Food rationing, 1944

This book of food ration coupons was issued to a Canadian soldier on leave in 1944.

Ration book.pdf (1.8 MB)

Wartime Pickles and Relishes

A Second World War pamphlet describing alternative garnishes in light of wartime restrictions on the use of sugar.

wartimep&r.pdf (5.71 MB)

Home Preservation of Meats, Poultry, Fish and Soups

A Second World War guide to safe preserving, to guard against waste or loss of food.

Canning Fruits and Vegetables

Proper procedures for food preservation and storage are outlined in this Second World War pamphlet.

canningf&v.pdf (8.75 MB)

Wartime Jams and Jellies

A Second World War pamphlet on making creative use of peaches, apples, and other late summer fruits.