Forging a war economy
Lightless Nights
Herbert Hoover, who was in charge of the Food Administration, organized a large successful food drive for the people of Belgium. His voluntary approach worked very well, as people observed the war effort and pitched in to help. Hoover spurned ration cards in favor of voluntary "lightless nights", "meatless Tuesdays", "wheatless Wednesdays", "gasless Sundays" and other voluntary sacrifices that would help towards the war and whip up a patriotic spirit. Citizens grew gardens on street corners to help the farmers and the Fuel Administration helped as well. Food production increased by one-fourth.