During World War II, coffee became a rationed item in Brookville, Montgomery County, and across the United States starting on November 28, 1942. Each person over 15 years old was limited to one pound of coffee every five weeks, which equated to roughly one cup a day. This rationing was part of a broader effort to manage resources during the war. Retail sales of coffee were halted a week before the rationing began to allow stores to prepare.
• The Office of Price Administration set the coffee rationing limits, with L. Henderson as the price administrator.
• Coffee was the ninth product to be rationed, alongside items like sugar, gasoline, and tires.
• Consumers used their sugar rationing books to obtain coffee, surrendering specific stamps for their rations.
• Children under 15 were not eligible for coffee rations, based on the age noted in the sugar rationing books.
This rationing system highlights how everyday life was affected by the war. It shows the sacrifices made by civilians and the importance of managing limited resources during challenging times. Understanding this history helps us appreciate the resilience of communities during crises.
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