Don't Waste Food: The Air Force Flies on its Stomach : If your job is in the Air - Or Keeping the Other Chap in the Air - Stop Waste

Australian Second World War poster, produced by the Commonwealth Food Control and Royal Australian Air Force, to encourage not wasting food. Shortages of foodstuffs, clothing and other products were part of life in Australia during the War. The first controls over the production and distribution of products were introduced in 1940, partly due to disruption of shipping. In 1942, after Japan entered the War, comprehensive rationing was introduced to manage shortages and control civilian consumption. In July 1942 tea rationing was introduced , followed by sugar, butter and then meat. From time to time, eggs and milk were also rationed under a system of priority for vulnerable groups during periods of shortage. The broad reasoning behind the introduction of rationing was to ensure the equitable distribution of food and clothing. It was also hoped that a cut on consumer spending would lead to an increase in savings, which in turn could be invested in war loans. After the War, rationing was gradually phased out. The last rationed product was tea, which ended in July 1950.