Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1917-08-07
True Economy of Food.

The subcommittee on food production
and conservation Of the Maine Com mittee
on Public Safety has addressed the fol
lowing circular letter to the women oil
Maine:
Realizing, in face of the present crisis,
that there Is great necessity for food
conservation, elimination of waste, and
selection of proper food with special
reference to nutrition particularly adapt
ed to the individuals needs, and fol
conservation of certain kinds OF foods
necessary for feeding our soldiers and
allies; also realizing that from time i'm
memorial women have been ready to
make sacrifices for the accomplishment
of reform-with these objects to be At
tanned In the present emergency-youl
cooperation is asked in this campaign
for food conservation along lines oil
economy. The following suggestions
are, therefore, made:
While In general the complete control
of household affairs has been transferred
from the home to factory production
there is much to offer in q definite way
az a result of scientific investigation fol
human nutrition. We urge that infor
nation on this subject be obtained mas
much as IL 10 available from many
sources. There are very exhaustive anC
comprehensive treatments by experts
whose works may be found In libraries
In text books, which are less expensive
considerable Information is given, snG
we also wish to remind you that there
are available for distribution numerous
bulletins issued by the United States
Department of Agriculture, the Exten
sion Service of the State University, and
the State Department of Agriculture
treating on the values of different classes
OF food, showing comparative values oil
nutrition, and giving suggestions as to
the proper selection and preparation OF
foods.
One point which should be emphasized
in the selection Of proper foods: We
should not-in our jealous effort to econ
omize, forget the great ssential-propeE
nutrition for growing children. II can
be readily understood that Ii would be
poor economy-in fact, it would be NO
economy-to conserve at the expense OF
impaired nutrition of growing children;
hence, the trestises with particular
reference to children's diet may be
studied with profit.
As scientific investigation has given "a
something definite regarding proper
nutrition, so also has IL developed sue
cessful methods for the canning of fruits
and vegetables; this 10 probably the
most attractive form of conservation
which can be adopted inasmuch a. the
actual results Of ones efforts are more
readily apparent. In spite of the fact
that the definite principle Of successfully
conserving fruits and vegetables dates
back to 1900, great progress has been
made In the last few years and several
methods have been recently tried and
proved. These methods, together with
reliable information, are given on,
through demonstrations, and il 10 hoped
you may avail yourselves Of this oppOr.
tunity for enlightenment on this subject
Since it 10 . patriotic duty to preserve
all vegetables and fruits In their season,
utilizing all possible and allowing moth.
ing to waste or spoil, numerous bulletins
have been prepared upon this work and
are also available from the United States
and State Departments Of Agriculture
and from the University Of Maine. In
addition to canning, certain classes oil
fruits and vegetables may be success
fully preserved by drying and evaporst
Ing, thus avoiding the use Of expensive
containers; this Is point which may BE-
we'll considered with economy.
One assuring thought Is that much
good will result II We begin now to con
sistently teach the children Of this gen
Grafton the economy Of time and of food
In addition, We have the stimulus In oul
teaching that to economic is patriotic
and the hope that our children will come
to realize the value Of the liberty hard
earned by their ancestors.
These recommendations are made
without any thought of modelling oil
interfering with your sffsirs-which ",
realize you are fully capable Of conduct
ing-but are offered in the spirit Of
patriotism, and 1t 10 hoped that they vii
be accepted in the Same way.
e. L. NEwDICK, Secretary.