HISTORY: When America Was Rationed

During World War II, Americans Experienced Rationing 

Official "Ceiling Prices" Set The Top Rates Of Sale Of Products 

Prices of meals were legally determined by the government. 

 In World War II, there were severe shortages of just about everything all over America. According to the National Park Service website, "Food Rationing on the World War II Home Front", maximum allowable prices were placed on: 

...meat, poultry, eggs, butter, milk, flour, cereals, bread, fats and oils, processed foods, bananas, sugar, coffee, dried fruits, packaged cheese, soaps and cleansers. These were published in local newspapers, and could change based on supply, demand, region, and economic factors...

Sugar was highly prized and heavily rationed.

A ration gas coupon from World War II 

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IN 1974, THE BUREAU OF ENGRAVING PRINTED GAS RATIONING COUPONS, AS IN WORLD WAR II  

CHARTS FROM POSTAL MUSEUM, U.S NATIONAL PARK SERVICE & WIKIPEDIA