On January 15th, 1943, Jones issued a letter from the War Food Administration, entitled
“Food and Farming in 1943.” In this letter he warned that in 1943 civilians could expect supplies
of canned vegetables to be 75% of the quantities consumed in the previous year. In an effort to
soften this disappointing news, he reminded Americans that this level was actually still higher
than what was consumed in 1935-1939. Since that time though, civilians had become
accustomed to a healthier economy that allowed them more freedom as consumers and thus
would need to brace themselves for a challenging year.
Jones went on to share some results from the past year’s effort to maintain maximum
food production on farms and with victory gardens. He reflected that the government had asked
for 18 million victory gardens and applauded American civilians for providing 20 million
instead. Jones stated that these gardens produced 8 million tons of food supplies, which added up
to an astounding 40% of all vegetables grown for consumption in the United States in 1942
Courtesy American Victory Gardens in WW II.

Growing a Local Food System

In response to the heavy impact of World War II on the U.S. economy, Americans were urged to grow a victory garden (also called a war garden) in 1943. The gardens were planted by about 20 million families and would eventually provide nearly half of the fresh produce consumed during this troubled time. On rooftops, in back yards and even in containers on front porches, Americans produced eight million tons of fruit, vegetables and herbs in their own households.

Gardens Throughout History

Ancient Babylonian and Egyptian used edible landscaping techniques. Another form or edible landscaping or urban agriculture sprouted up in France during the 16th & 17th century. The gardens otherwise know as potager or kitchen gardens supplied herbs, vegetables and even fruit.

Then came…. ( list compiled and courtesy of SideWalkSprouts)

1. Potato Patches (1890-1930)

2. City Beautiful Movement (1890-1910)

3. World War I: Liberty Gardens (1917-1919)

4. Depression relief gardens (1930-1938)

5. World War II: Victory Gardens (1940-1945)

6. Community Garden Movement (1970-present)

Growing Forward

7. Freedom Garden Movement (2008) — a modern gardening era/movement resulting in efforts to become free of foreign oil, corporate controls, contamination and food miles.

Let’s get growing - forward, towards food security self-reliance and independence from corporate food systems.

There’s a growing movement afoot, can you dig it?