The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1918-05-31
HOOVER APPEALS FOR
WHEATLESS DIET
SAYS NEED OF ARMIES AND ALLIES
is GREAT
Asks Every American Who Possibly
Can to Eschew Wheat Until
After Harvest

Following is an appeal by Herbert
Hoover, u. S. Food Administrators,
urging upon our people the adoption of
wheatless diet until after the coming
harvest. The appeal is imminently
sensible. and considering the fact that
the issues of the great conflict in which
we are engaged touch intimately every
| fireside, we know it will find a ready
and cheerful compliance:
The confidence of the U. S. Food Ad-
ministration that the people of the
country would respond enthusiastically
and whole-heartedly, upon presentation
of the facts, to any necessary requests
for reduction in consumption of food,
has been fully justified. We have de-
monstrated our ability, not only to
think together, but to act together.
This response of the people is the reason
for the present appeal.
Our work is not yet complete, in spite
of the encouraging results of our efforts.
There are certain matters which de-
sire 10 SITeSS dL IIliS tlIne.
In the case of meat and meat pro-
ducts, the necessities for shipment abb
road are very great. Whereas the
allied consumption has been reduced to
an average of about one and one-quar
ter pounds per person per week, we are
enjoying an average of about three an d
one-quarter pounds per person per
week. This division is inequitable. An
understanding of these facts will justi-
fly our request that the consumption of
all meats, including poultry, as nearly
as possible be reduced to two pounds
per week per person over four years of
age,
In the case of sugar we are embar-
rassed by the necessity of using ships
for carrying our soldiers and feeding
the allies, and in consequence we must
use sugar with great economy. We
must emphasize the Importance of cam
ming and preserving on large scale
among our people this summer, and our
available sugar must be conserved for
this purpose.
But the situation with regard to
wheat is the most serious in the food
supply of the allied world. If we are
to satisfy the minimum wheat require
ments of our armies and the allies and
the suffering millions in the allied coun-
tries, our consumption of wheat in the
United States until the next harvest
must be reduced to approximately one
third of normal. 1t is inconceivable
that we should fail in this crisis. For
each of US who can personally contrib
ute to the relief of human suffering it
is privilege, not sacrifice. All ell
ements of our population cannot bear
this burden equally. Those engaged
in physical labor need larger bread
ration than those in sedentary occupa-
tions. Because of the constant daily
employment of women, and the lack of
home baking facilities, many house,
holders in large urban centers require
bread ration already prepared. such
as the bakers standard victory bread
loaf. Furthermore we must constant
ly safeguard the special requirements
of children and invalids.
To meet the situation abroad, and to
prevent serious suffering at home, it is
imperative that all those whose circum-
stances permit shall abstain from wheat
and wheat products in any form until
the next harvest. 1t is realized and
deeply appreciated that many organiza-
ton and some communities have already
agreed to follow this plan.
1t is hoped that you will communicate
this to your organization and your COM
munity, urging those whose circumstan-
ces will permit. to join with us and
take this stand.
(Sighed) HERBERT HOOVER.