From the Archives: “V” for Victory
The recent addition of a vegetable garden on the South Lawn of the White House has caused many people to reminisce about the Victory Gardens of World War II. Victory Gardens, also known as war gardens or food gardens for defense, were gardens planted by the American public in support of the war effort. During this time period, the government rationed basic supplies such as butter and eggs, while labor and transportation shortages affected the food supply. By planting their own vegetables, the public could aid in lowering the price of produce needed by the government to feed the troops and therefore save money for war expenditures. Families were also encouraged to can their own vegetables to save commercially canned goods for the troops. Nearly 20 million people planted gardens in backyards, vacant lots, public lawns, and even on urban rooftops. In 1943, these gardens produced nearly a third of all the vegetables consumed in the country that year.
In Cleveland, Ohio, residents planted a Victory Garden on the downtown Mall where the Cleveland War Memorial: Fountain of Eternal Life currently stands. Crops
*Original article appeared on museum blog