WWII Propaganda Posters

            In addition to FDR’s speeches, a second method was developed to inspire and motivate the home front population to participate in growing their own food. The most common way that the victory garden was sold to the home front population was through brightly colored propaganda posters that incorporated patriotic slogans. 

            The propaganda posters issued by the U.S. government reminded the home front how important food production and food conservation was. The posters told Americans that food had the same value in fighting the war and aiding the war effort as any other weapon.[1] The propaganda posters highlighted and promoted opportunities to become a farm volunteer during the summer harvest months, especially for teenagers and young adults, who wanted to get out of the city and experience nature.[2]

            World War II food propaganda posters proudly boasted the colorful vegetables that could be grown in a victory garden. The United States War Food Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture highlighted the vitamins and nutritional benefits that fresh vegetables had. Furthermore, growing a personal victory garden meant that all of these assets were right outside the back door. Meaning that the home front population could find vegetables for healthy diets, and help aid the war effort, by simply planting a victory garden that was conveniently located in their yard.[3]