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Schools had an important part to play in Britain's war effort. The evacuation effort was organized around the schools. One of the most important roles the schools played was in the area of food. Schools were instrumental in promoting food awareness among the children and helping them adapt to the challenges posed by World War II. The government provided school meals to ensure children received nutrition meals despite food shortages. Meals were often based on rationed items and emphasizing the use of locally sourced and seasonal produce. Schools were used to increase food production. Schools participated in community gardening projects. Of course the quantities involved were limited, but every little bit helped, reducing the shipping tonnage that had to be imported through U-boat infested waters. There were three ideas here. First, schools could actually produce food. Boarding schools could produce much of the food the school needed. City schools with less land had more limited capabilities. Second, by training children at school,they could help support home gardening. The older children at school were a potential labor force which could be mobilized at important times, especially harvest times. And the evacuation of school children to the countryside mean that many where where the labor was needed. Third, Another important food role was education. Many schools had gardening programs. This not only produced a little needed food, but meant that the children could help in the more important home gardening projects and even encourage mum and dad to get with the program and create a home garden. Fourth, the schools could also impart nutritious eating habits and basic cooking skills meaning that families could make better use of what food was available. Children learned to appreciate the value of food and the importance of minimizing waste.
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