World War 2 1939-1945
Home Front
Ration Book
During WWII, the Canadian Government felt it was necessary to ration certain staple goods. This was done to ensure there was a large enough supply to meet both military and civilan needs. Food rationing came into effect for Canadian civilians in 1942. More than 11 million ration books were distributed. Typical items that were on the ration list included meat, butter, sugar, tea and coffee. While there were shortages, for most civilians this rationing was more of a nuisance than a hardship. Houswives were encouraged to make their own butter from milk, and restaurants observed meatless Tuesdays and Fridays.
Gasoline was rationed in April 1942 and some Canadians put their cars in storage for the rest of the war. The use of car pools and public transit escalated and coupons were offered to allow car pool drivers extra gas rations. Tires were also rationed and civilians could not purchase them unless they could prove that driving was essential.
Alcohol was also on the ration list. Civilians waited outside vendors’ stores to purchase (at high prices) whatever liquor was available.
Clothing was another rationed item. By mid 1941, silk was no longer imported so women rushed to purchase all the silk stockings available. Victory stockings, made from yarn and small filaments of silk, came into use.
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