In Australia, government policy during the war times were concerned with supplying food to the fighting forces as well as keeping up the supply for the general population. Due to large numbers of men involvement in the Wars, Australia's government created a special department to deal with these food problems.
Food production reduced because so many farmers were involved in the Wars. Food imports were severely restricted as shipping was diverted to War services, and merchant shipping faced submarine treats.
The solution was to try and boost food productions by the creation of the Women's Land Army (WLA) to supply farm labour.
The members of the WLA were given a uniform: brown corduroy trousers, green jerseys and leggings, a WLA hat and hob nail boots.
One of the comments made by a women in the WLA (but not a complaint) was that their feet were never dry even in dry weather- simply because that ha to work early in the morning and the dew on the grass would enter he boots through the lace holes.
Tasty Food Abundance in Healthy Europe
Will eat for food
Healthy Berries are Good Food for HealthAlso the WLA was responsible for issuing ration coupons to civilians for some foods, for example meat, eggs, tea and butter. Efforts were made to replace foods with substitutes like chicory instead of coffee.
So during the Wars Australia was in hardship over food but it was after the Wars that Australia's food habits and culture changed significantly and these changes have shaped the way in which foods are eaten, available and distributed in Australia today.
So although it was hard times during the War, thanks to things like the Women's Land Army, we got through those hard times and now we're rewarded with the range and availability when it comes to food. Lets look at some changes, which were brought about or influenced...