Food Supply of the United States

THE production, preparation, and distribution of an abundant food supply for the 100,000,000 consumers in this country, with a surplus for export to other countries, is an exceedingly complex industrial problem. It has been demonstrated during the war that the entire world is never far distant from the " bread line." It is essential, primarily, that food be sufficient for the present day and year, but it is essential also that such foresight be used, and ^uch precautions be taken, as will give reasonable assurance of an abundant food supply for the years to come. The needs of the food-producing organization and the requirements of the food-producing machines must be clearly understood. If any defects exist in the organization, or any reasons why the operation of the machines is liable to interruption, it is desirable that these conditions be remedied with the least possible delay. The food situation of the United States is materially different from that of certain other countries. In China, for instance, a shortage of rice must inevitably be followed by famine. This country has a great variety of food products in general use, and is not absolutely dependent on any one of these products. Bread, however, is a staple food that is almost universally used throughout this country, and the maintenance of an abundant supply of bread is the one most important feature of our food problem.