Abstract
To investigate and describe an historical national food conservation effort and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the US Food Administration Research into primary source historical records of the US Food Administration (USFA) 1917-18 at Stanford University as well as publications and artwork produced about this federal agency. Conservation messages, media campaigns, food education programs, and the role of nutrition professionals reveal a highly focused effort to conserve food and boost agricultural output while improving nutritional intake. The USFA, a national, decentralized community organizing effort, encouraged all Americans to pledge to eat less meat, buy local foods, serve just enough, use what is left and save food. These prescient recommendations and food education efforts emanated from federal and state levels with the goal of sending food to American troops and people of Europe during World War I. Beautiful posters created by graphic artists promoted food conservation efforts and were at the core of the national media campaign. With the primary slogan for the campaign, Food Will Win the War, messages were crafted to appeal to immigrant groups, homemakers, businessmen, children, and schools. Librarians, home economists, Extension agents, dietitians and food educators were organized to support state and local programs and displays. Conservation messages resonate 100 years after the US Food Administration succeeded in its goal.The federal government can utilize the organizational structure of the US Food Administration and state governments as a model to engage citizens, businesses, and agriculture in food conservation efforts.
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