1939 - Food Availability

Food Availability

The U.S. Department of Agriculture introduces the first food stamp program in May to feed the needy of Rochester, N.Y. The program will continue until 1943 (see 1964).

Britain establishes a Ministry of Food with nutrition expert Professor J. C. (later Sir Jack) Drummond as scientific adviser. It draws up plans designed not only to maintain adequate supplies but also to improve the nation's nutrition, especially of the poor. Shortages of sweets and sugar are reported at Christmas, but some areas have gluts of the same foodstuffs that in other parts of the country are hard to find, and some shopkeepers will serve only regular customers (see rationing, 1940).

Former president Herbert Hoover organizes a drive for Finnish relief December 5; Congress grants Finland $10 million in credit for agricultural supplies.