The Ministry of Food exhibition

A new exhibition exploring the lives of citizens under food rationing during and after WWII, opens at The Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London on the 12th February 2010. In 1940 the Government’s Ministry of Food launched campaigns such as “Dig for Victory” and “War on Waste” as well as ration books designed to deal with the world food shortages after the war. During the 14 years under rationing, the country lived to know the importance of issues such as grow your own, seasonal eating, and good nutrition, as well as the realities of a reduction in imported goods and recycling.

The exhibit, which runs until January 2011 includes a war-time greenhouse, a grocer’s shop and a 1940’s kitchen with larder, gas cooker and frugal recipe suggestions. The IWM brings the history of living and working with the Women’s Land Army to life, with broadcasts from The Ministry of Food’s nutritionist and cook, Maguerite Patten. Today, with frugality and grow-your-own back on trend it’s easy to forget people were participating out of necessity.
 
Diane Lees, Director General of the IWM said, “We hope the stories of resourcefulness and commitment shown in Ministry of Food, will not only allow people to understand more about how the country changed its eating habits, grew more food and imported less, during the Second World War but should also provide some food for thought about the way we live and eat now.”
 
The Ministry of Food at the Imperial War Museum London runs from 12th February 2010 – 3rd January 2011. Adults £4.95, Concessions and Groups £3.95, Children £2.50, Family £13.00. For more information visit www.iwm.org.uk/food