In the 40s, during WWII (before my time) many goods were rationed. Either because workers were over fighting the war, or because the supplies were needed for the war effort. “Meatless meals” and “Wheatless Wednesdays” were promoted. Not just food, but tires and gasoline were rationed as well. Also typewriters, bicycles, shoes, rubber footwear, silk, nylon, fuel oil, and stoves. Meat, lard, shortening and food oils, cheese, butter, margarine, processed foods (canned, bottled, and frozen), canned fuits, canned milk, firewood and coal, jams, jellies, and fruit butter.