British wartime food rationing started on 8 January 1940 although preparations had been made before the War had begun.

• January 1940 - Butter 4oz; Sugar 12oz; Bacon 4oz.
• March 1940 - Meat 1s.10d (9p today). Sausages were not rationed but difficult to get; offal (liver, kidneys, tripes) was originally un-rationed but sometimes formed part of the meat ration.
• July 1940 - Tea 2oz 1s 10d (9p). Butter, margarine, cooking fats and cheese rationed. Sugar cut to 8 oz 1s 10d (9p). The Government announced no more bananas no more fresh or tinned fruit to be imported except a few oranges for children only.

To learn more about Food Rationing in Britain, click here