The World Wars and Food

With new modern warfare came a new kind of approach on how food was served to men fighting on the front lines of both of the World Wars. A new way of packaging had to be instigated in order for food to be safe from contamination due to the use of deadly gases as new military warfare. Different meal plans and rations also had to be given out to brave men who decided to parachute into enemy territory. Food was forever changed by the World Wars. How food was received, how it was prepared, how everyone did their part on the war front by cutting back what they ate at home. Victory gardens became a thing of great importance. As outlined in a small book at the Newberry, students at a Chicago public school did their part to help out in the war effort. They planted a garden in order to cut back on the food the school had to buy so that all the extras could be sent to the soldiers over seas fighting the war. It is very important and key to note that food was the main thing that changed in every day Americans lives. During the wars people had to sacrifice what they usually ate on a regular basis for the good of the war. The World Wars were the first major wars fought far away from American soil. However, the effects of food consumption driven by the soldiers on the battle field could be felt on the home front.