The Ministry of Food

If your grandparents were around during World War II, you've probably heard all about the food rationing that swept the nation for 14 years, a necessity in desperate times. As supplies ran dry, housewives and mothers had to become more resourceful in their meal preparations, working with the few things they could get their hands on.

It was all so long ago, and in today's society of fast food, take aways and fully stocked supermarkets, it's hard to imagine what it must have been like. However, there are still many people alive who remember those times, and they are the ones who fully appreciate how lucky we all are to have a feast at our fingertips whenever we get hungry.

This year, the Imperial War Museum on Lambeth Road is playing host to an exhibition called 'The Ministry of Food'. It revisits the hardships of cooking during wartime, showcasing all of the challenges that people faced during that time. Brits were forced to become more creative with their recipes, with ingredients such as Spam and dried eggs available. At this time there was a rise in allotments so that families could grow their own vegetables, in an attempt to get enough nutrients into their diets. The exhibition explores the part that everyone played in making sure the nation was fed, with important contributions from the Merchant Navy, from lorry drivers and of course from housewives.

It's important to learn about this country's history, and about our national heritage. Whether it's a day out with the family, with friends or a trip alone, make 2010 the year to visit the Imperial War Museum. If you need to book a taxi to take you there or bring you home, you know what to do! Just come back to our website and you'll find all you need to book a London cab online.

The Ministry of Food exhibition will be running until 3 January 2011, and with entry rates less than a fiver, anyone can afford to go! You can see advertising and posters used 70 years ago to spread the message, as well as an example of a typical grocer's shop. Transport yourself back to wartime for a day.

Picture from The Ministry of Food Website