Victory Gardens seemed forever present beginning in
1942 and continuing into 1946 as World War Two impacted the civilian population
of the United States. As a federal campaign declaring “food is fighting” the
war, residents throughout Sherburne County took up the appeal to grow more
food, and preserve more food, to help the war effort.
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| Pamphlets distributed by private companies and the Federal govt. promoted the victory garden program |
“Every member of a well-fed farm family consumes $25
to $30 worth of vegetables and fruits every year,” Department of Agriculture
agents claimed. “A half to three-quarter
acre garden will supply the needs of a family of six.” The remaining produce grown on farms and
small gardens throughout the county, and throughout the country, could be used
in large cities and communities lacking the acreage to garden.
The surplus garden produce allowed the federal
government to utilize commercially grown and canned vegetables for the war
effort. The federal government also
suggested with enough victory gardens the railroads could stop transporting
canned goods for family use. This way enhance transportation and shipping in
support of the military machine.
In the community of Elk River, High School Principal Robert
Handke developed a victory garden program.
Using school grounds to grow vegetables, he offered classes in the
evening for city residents to learn the latest in food preservation practices.
The Sherburne County Star News also provided advice for
developing victory gardens. “Food
poisoning may lurk in the best-looking jar of meat, chicken or vegetables,” the
newspaper warned. “Don’t taste them
until they have been brought to a good 15-minute boil.”
Growing and preserving food as part of the victory
garden program provided every citizen an opportunity to contribute to the war
effort. The “food is fighting” program served
a national role for local residents to participate in a program to win the war.
