The Rules

Though confusing at times, the main rules imposed by the Office of Price Administration were something like this:Food Waste

Ration Book One: (May 5, 1942) 56-week supply of sugar. Each stamp = 1 pound of sugar to be used over two weeks. As time passed, each stamp was worth 2 pounds of sugar to be used over four weeks.

Ration Book Two: (January, 1943) Meat Rations. 2 1/2 pounds per week, per person (weight of cheese was deducted from meat ration). Point values of the cut of meat changed monthly.

Ration Book Three: (October, 1943) Continuation of Sugar, Meat. Addition of processed and canned foods.

Ration Book Four: (Late 1943) Continuation of all the above.

Ration Book Five: Prepared, but never used.

Source: http://www.ameshistory.org/exhibits/events/rationing2.htm

The overriding advice of the program, as printed on Ration Book Two:

“If you don’t need it, DON’T BUY IT.”