Sugar Rations and World War I

 

In 1917, the United states Food Administration was created, and headed by Herbert Hoover (who would later become president).

As America entered World War I, a campaign was launched to encouraged Americans to conserve wheat, meat, sugar, and fats so those items could be sent to overseas to the troops.

Even children were encouraged to do their part. There were meatless Mondays, wheatless Wednesdays, and encouraged people to eat corn and not wheat, and consume more fruits and vegetables. The Food Administration suggested alternatives to white sugar, like honey and molasses. 

They came up with slogans like "when in doubt, eat potatoes. To keep transportation free for carrying war supplies, Americans were encouraged to buy local or grow liberty gardens. 

Sugar became rationed, with a two pound per month per person limit, then was later relaxed slightly to provide more sugar for things like home canning, etc.  Shoppers had to present a card issued by the county food administrator to purchase sugar, and retailers and wholesalers had to sign certificates stating they would follow the food laws.

Cutting back on sugar wasn't easy for a country with a serious sweet tooth. Reportedly, the average American in 1916, consumed 85 pounds of sugar! Some people saw an opportunity to take advantage of that.

In August 1918, the Oregon State Food Administrator issued a proclamation that stated all grocery stores were limited to sell two pounds of sugar per tourist, and their names and addresses had to be collected. An arrest was made by the Pendleton law enforcement when two “tourists” were found to be buying sugar everywhere using fake names and addresses, and reselling it at a higher price out of their automobile.

That's the kind of historical tidbit I had to work into a book. So I did.

You'll find mention of it in my new historical romance, Molly. 

Here's a little snippet from the book. It's in a letter from Molly's father to her:

Kade and I tracked down some regular hardened criminals the other day. The State Food Administrator had sent out word that people were traveling from town to town, buying up sugar and reselling it at a considerable profit. A proclamation put a limit on all grocery stores to sell no more than two pounds per person, and the grocers have to record their names and addresses. Anyway, we got a call from Mr. Johnson that he had two questionable shoppers trying to buy more than their limit of sugar. When we investigated, we found the back of their car loaded with sugar and hauled them to the jail. It was a “sweet” ending to that problem.

She longs to make a difference.

He yearns to claim her heart.

After years of managing the Pendleton telephone office, Molly Thorsen answers the call for women to serve as telephone operators during World War I. Upon her arrival in France, she navigates the challenges of working near the front lines and battles the prejudices and skepticism of the men around her. Determined to prove her worth and skill, Molly faces adversity head-on while unexpectedly falling in love with a charming soldier.

Friday Fitzpatrick may not have been eager to engage in combat, but when he is drafted into the American Expeditionary Forces, he embraces the role of a soldier with unwavering determination. While fighting to survive the harrowing battlefield experiences, he clings to his sanity by dreaming about the captivating Hello Girl who has captured his heart. Though his opportunities to see her are limited, she serves as a beacon of hope in the midst of his darkest days.

Through their shared experiences and the trials they endure, Molly and Friday find comfort and encouragement in each other's company, forging a connection that defies the chaos of a world in conflict. As the war draws to a close and they return home, will civilian life bring them together or pull them apart?

Find out in this sweet and wholesome historical romance filled with hope, faith, courage, and love.  

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with heart, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

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