U.S. Government Poster from World War II (courtesy of Library of Congress)

Victory Gardens beautifully illustrate that truly great ideas never get old.

During World War II Americans lived with rations of such necessities as tires, gasoline, sugar, and other foodstuffs. The U.S. government encouraged ordinary people to create Victory Gardens; small plots of fruits and vegetables to stave off food shortages so more mass-produced food could be sent to feed the troops.

The people responded. Two million Americans created Victory Gardens in their backyards or communities. According to author Michael Pollan, "...during World War II, Victory Gardens supplied as much as 40% of the produce Americans ate."

Victory Gardens were more than a war time activity, they were a social phenomenon. Schools and families planted Victory Gardens together, often on communal land. Families caught up on news as they planted and harvested. Nutrition information was widely disseminated to help home cooks create balanced meals for their families. Our current obesity epidemic must have been unimaginable to those gardeners.

The Foundation’s 350 Garden Challenge

Our friends at the Victory Garden Foundation have issued a well-timed challenge for grassroots action, the 350 Garden Challenge. Here’s what they say about it:

On a single weekend, May 15-16, 350 landscapes will be transformed into bountiful Victory Gardens, which uses water wisely to grow food all while educating and empowering community and supporting local businesses. This can be as simple as planting a fruit tree or a tomato plant in a pot. But it is also an opportunity to create innovative gardens on front yards, apartment patios, school and church grounds, and business premises while being waterwise.

Impact Worth Rooting For

Victory Gardens bring down the cost of food for American families and make organic produce more widely available. They reduce America’s reliance on oil simply by keeping vegetable gardens and cutting down on the amount of food that has to be transported by truck. Victory Gardens also reduce the need for petroleum-based fertilizers on giant corporate farms. If you’re unhappy about where all the money Americans spend on oil and gasoline is going, then maybe it’s time for your Victory Garden to take root.

To learn more about the 350 Garden Challenge, go to: The Victory Garden Foundation

To follow American Feast on Facebook go to: American Feast on Facebook

To follow American Feast's Founder on Twitter go to: Jeff Deasy on Twitter

For information related to the purchase of advertising space and editorial coverage on the American Feast web site call Jeff Deasy toll free at 877-332-7875 or email him at jdeasy@americanfeast.com