Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-04-16

, economical use OF food, on the one
, hand. and to increase the supply ~
means OF the city lot and back yard
and suburban garden campaign. on the
other.
Huge Sums Wasted Annually.
The experts Of the department, ac-
cordinB to Secretary Houston, estimate
tho annual American food waste at
500. 100000. This enormous waste re-
suits largely from bad preparation and
bad cooking. and much OF it can be
avoided. Another point is the custom
that has grown UP In many American
| families OF serving an overabundance
OF food. There is among some OF us
tho feeling that to put on the table
just enough food. and no more. Is
, rather mean economy. This notion,
as the department points out. is en-
tireiy mistaken. and shows rather bad
taste as we'll. Waste is never admir-
able. even in the most prosperous
| times. and too much food cooked means
that some cooked food is thrown away.
In a time like the present, such ideas
must be banished at once. In Europe
to-day the people take pride in
economy, not in liberality; even the
women pride themselves on the sim
plicity and cheapness Of their clothes.
The department is urging the Ameri-
can people TO avoid throwing food into
the garbage pail. TO keep perishable
food clean. COOL and covered. to stew
fruits and boil Vegetables that threaten
TO spoil. 10 cook carefully. to avoid
waste in preparation. and to cook
enough and no more Some peopl,
peel potatoes in such way that 20
per cent is wasted. In Germany law
provides that all potatoes must be
boiled, to avoid waste in peeling.
Onother thing for which the depart
ment calls on Americans is more
| catholic taste in foods. Wo have too
many Sroundless pretudices against
certain foods that are cheap and nour-
ishins. and against new foods in gen
craL In the rice districts Of British
India in time or want the government
sometimes sends trainloads and ship
; loads Of fine northern wheat.
stnrve Amld Plenty.
But the ignorant peasantry are un-
familiar with wheat; and they have
been known TO stsrvc within arm.
length OF plenty, or 10 trade enough
wheat for three meals for a handful
OF dirty rice. Americans are too in
tellisent "a people TO cling 10 food
prcJudiccs. By an increased use Of rice
the wheat supply may be conserved
The use o! cornmeal may be greatly
increased. For SO YOU can buy little
hand mill and grind your own cornmeal
to suit your taste with minimum OF
labor. Such new articles as soy beans.
sometimes called togo beans will be
put on tho market in greater quaint
tics and should be given their due
place in the diet.
Such subgtitUtions are particularly
desirable. because all indications point
10 wheat shortage at the coming
harvest. The latest crop estimate
showed proba Bile decrease OF $1,000
900 bushels over last years crop. and
Of $4,000. 900 bushels over the crop of
1916 From the American representa-.
tive a; the international Institute OF
Agriculture. in Rome. comes tho news
that the crop situation Is bad all over
the world. The only way to mako up
for wheat shortage with a minimum
Of hardship Is TO be ready TO eat sub
stitutcs. and in this case, used jntcil-
gently, substitutes arc really 'just as
good"
Besides its campaign for food thrift
and for the smuil garden. tho depart
mcnt has been working to meet tho
food situation in numerous other lines.
The Senate has called upon Secretary
Houston for comprehensive recommcn-
dattons a5 to what should best be done.
The secretary has called on the farmers
to increase their acreage, TO utilize the
land left idle by winter-killcd wheat
for other crops. and tho experts are
advising the farmers what to plant.
Every means will be used TO Increase
production and bring about economical
distribution.
But thcrc arc three sides TO this
neutrality-suspicious.. distribution and
coneumption. The people who cat the
food have it within their power TO pre-
possible. Here is ono thing that every
household can do TO cooperate with
the government and help the nation.
Lot your motto be. no waste and a
homo garden"