1943
USDA releases the Basic Seven Food Guide in the National Wartime Nutrition Guide
Basic Seven – Foundation diet
Number of food groups | Protein-rich foodsMilk/meat | breads | Vegetables/fruit | Other (incl fats) |
7 | Milk and milk products-2 cups or moreMeat, poultry, fish, eggs,dried beans, peas, nuts- 1-2 | Bread, flour, andcereals -Every day | Leafy green/yellow-1 or more Potatoes, other fruit/veg -2 or moreCitrus, tomato, cabbage,salad greens -1 or more | Butter, fortified margarine-Some daily |
Source: USDA, Human Nutrition Information Service, 1993 |
"Food and nutrition messages provided information and, at the same time, bolstered patriotism: 'cooking and eating for victory'. The war years made food austerity both a private and public virtue."
Tannahill, R. (1988) Food in History. Penguin