The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1918-06-01
LETTER FROM FOOD ADMINISTRATOR
HOOVER


HOOVER
The following letter has been received from
National Food Administrator Herbert Hoover
by Deacon O. w. Farley, Local Food Admin
istratOr
The letter was read from the platform of
Shiloh Tabernacle on last Lords Day by the
General Overseer, and it is herewith pub
lished in order that our people shall become
thoroughly familiar with it's contents.
It will be noticed that Mr.. Hoover has
stated that in the conservation of food. the
people of the United States have demon
strated their ability mot only to think to-
gether, but to act together"
This is great lesson for Zion 1t is only
by unity Of thought and action that sweeping
results can be accomplished:
"The confidence of the United States Food
Administration that the people of the country
would respond enthusiastically and whole
heartedly, upon presentation of the facts, to
any necessary requests for reduction in con-
sumption Of food, has been fully justified
We have demonstrated 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, in
spite Of the fact that our exports of food
stuffs are constantly increasing and are ap-
preaching the minimum requirements abroad,
the need for renewed devotion and effort is
pressing. While all the requirements of the
Food Administration should be constantly OBJ
served there are certain matters which de-
sire to stress at this time
"ln the case of meat and meat products the
necessities for shipment abroad are very
great Whereas the Allied consumption has
HRpn rQ01cnH fO Of ohO
pounds per person per week, we are today
enjoying an average of about 3H pounds per
person per week. This division is ineuuit-
able An understanding of these facts will
justify our request that the consumption of
all meats, including poultry as nearly as pos
sibe be reduced to 2 pounds per week per
person over four years of age.
In the case OF sugar, we are embarrassed
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 canning and preserving on a large scale
among our people this summer and our avail
able sugar must be conserved for this pur-
pose.
"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 requirements of our Armies
anu CIle Allies, ana Cno SuHeflng millions IN
the Allied countries, 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 contribute to the relief of
human suffering it is privilege not sacri-
flee. All elements of our population cannot
bear this burden equally. Those engaged in
physical labor need larger bread ration than
those in sedentary occupations Because of
the constant daily employment of women and
the lack of home baking facilities, many
households in large urban centers require
food ration already prepared, such as the
bakers standard Victory bread loaf. Fur
thermore, we must constantly safeguard the
special requirements of children and invalids.
"To meet the situation abroad and to pre-
vent serious suffering at home, it is imper-
atlve that all those whose circumstances per-
NIT, shall abstain from wheat and wheat
products in any form until the next harvest.
1t is realized and deeply appreciated that
many organizations and some communities
have already agreed to follow this plan.
1T is hoped that you will communicate this
TO your organization and your community
urging those whose circumstances will permit
to join with us and take this stand.
HERBERT HOOVER.