WORLD WAR I RATIONING RULES

The July 11, 1918 issue of The Bossier Banner defined rationing rules to be followed a little over a year after the United States entered World War I.

“New rules were recently adopted in New Orleans by the State Food Administrator to further conserve sugar and meat.  The open sugar bowl will no longer be seen on public tables and the coffee drinker is limited to one spoon for each cup.  The order reads as follows:”

“The great general rule for catering resorts which includes boarding houses and commissaries is the abolition of the open sugar bowl.  The resolutions were adopted at a meeting of hotel and restaurant men in New Orleans.  John M. Parker, Food Administrator, declares that the rules will be strictly enforced, even if he has to take command of the inspectors in the field.”

“The sugar plan for eating places is the same as for families, the allowance being based upon three pounds per person per month.  One teaspoonful is allowed for a small cup, two for a large cup, and three for a pot of coffee or tea.  Two teaspoonfuls is the measure for cereal or fruit orders.  A lump of sugar is counted as equivalent to a teaspoon.  Cane and beet sugar are barred from bakery and kitchen.  Meat saving is to be accomplished by using only eight or nine pounds for each ninety meals served.  Roast meat is limited to Monday’s mid-day meal.  Stewed, boiled or beef hash to Wednesday’s and Saturday’s mid-day meals, and steaks in any form, including hamburger, to Thursday’s mid-day meal.  Byproducts such as tongues, livers, etc., may be used as substitutes.  Further substitutes are fish, crabs, shrimp, sea foods of all kinds, rabbits and wild game.  There will be plenty to eat there will be a reserve built up for the soldiers.  The latter duty leaves this country with only a three-days’ supply ahead, and conservation is wisdom.”

“The United States Food Administration has already tied up the coming Louisiana crop of sugar by ordering that no deals ahead be made without permits.  The Sugar Control Committee is still confident that Louisiana will receive about a cent per pound more for her crop than last year.”

“The United States Food Administration has issued similar orders with regard to the sale of clean rice, and it is evidently the intent to first take the full supply needed by the Government before the product is made available to the public.  Rice has been greatly popularized as a food through the broad advertising given by the Government, and the price has virtually been fixed with all branches of rice production and selling.”

War times were not the only hard times over which Bossier Parish residents have had to overcome.  Learn more at the Bossier Paris Library Historical Center.