Collection: WWII Ration Books, 1943 | Monsignor Noe Field Archives & Special Collections Center

This small collection consists of five WWII ration books dating from 1943, which include information about the owner of the book, instructions on food rationing, and stamps used to purchase rationed food items during the war. This collection will be of interest to researchers studying WWII and the history of rationing in the United States.

Dates

1943

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

All materials available in this collection (unless otherwise noted) are the property of the Monsignor William Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center and Seton Hall University, which reserves the right to limit access to or reproduction of these materials. Reproduction of materials or content is subject to United States copyright restrictions and may be subject to federal or state privacy regulations. Permission to publish exact reproductions must be obtained from the Director of the Archives and Special Collections Center.

Extent

.08 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Overview

During WWII, some foods and other supplies were rationed in order to ensure adequate supplies for the war effort. This small collection consists of five WWII ration books dating from 1943, which include information about the owner of the book, instructions on food rationing, and stamps used to purchase rationed food items during the war.

Biographical / Historical

During WWII, many staples such as meat, cheese, butter, canned milk, and sugar were rationed in order to ensure that supplies were available for the war effort. The war also affected trade, leading to shortages of imported goods, and rationing of tires and gasoline limited transportation of fresh foods. In order to fairly distribute foods that were in short supply, the government issued ration books full of stamps that shoppers needed to present in order to buy rationed food items.