The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1918-06-10
A MESSAGE FROM HOOVER

The confidence of the United States
food administration that the people of
the country would respond enthus-
iastically and intellectually upon
presentation of the facts, to any nee
essary request for reduction on con-
sumption in food, has been fully JUS
titled. We have demonstrated our
ability not only to think together but
to act together. This response of our
people is the reason for the present
appeal.
Our work is not yet complete. In
spite of the encouraging results of our
efforts-in spite of the fact that our
foodstuffs are constantly increasing
and approaching the minimum re-
quirements abroad, the need for re-
newed devotions and effort is press
ing and while all the requirements of
the food administration should be
constantly observed, there are certain
matters which | desire to stress at
this time.
In the case of meat and meat pro-
ducts the necessities for shipments
abroad are very great. Whereas the
allied consumption has been reduced
to an average of about one and one
quarter pounds per person per week,
we are today enjoying an average of
about 314 pounds per person per
week. This division is inequitable. an
understanding of these facts will JUS
tify our requests that the consump-
ton 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 embarrassed by the nee
essity of using ships for carrying our
soldiers and feeding the Allies, and
in consequence we must use sugar
with great economy. We must en-
| phasize the Importance of canning
and preserving on large scale among
our people this summer and our avail
able sugar must be conserved for this
purpose.
But the situation in regard to wheat
is the most serious in the food supply
of the allied world. If we are to salts
| fly the minimum wheat requirements
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 har-
vest must be reduced to approximate
| ly one-third of normal. 1t is incon-
ceivable that we should fail in this
crisis. For each of US who can per-
sonally contribute to the relief of hui
man suffering is a privilege, not
| sacrifice. All elements of our popu-
lation cannot bear this burden equal
ly. Those engaged in physical labor
need larger bread ration than those
in sedentary occupations. Because of
the constant daily employmnt of
women, and the lack of home baking
facilities, many households in large
urban centers require a food ration
already prepared, such as the bakers
standard Victory bread loaf. Fur
thermore, we must constantly safe
guard 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
circumstances permit, shall abstain
from wheat products in any form I'M
til the next harvest. 1t is realized and
deeply appreciated that many organi-
cations and some communities have
already agreed to follow this plan.
1t is hoped that you will commu-
nicate this to your organization and
your community, urging those whose
circumstances permit, to join with us
and take this stand.
Herbert Hoover.