5-in-1 ration facts for kids
During World War II, soldiers needed special food that was easy to carry and eat in the field. One important type of food was called the 5-in-1 ration. It was a special meal kit made for the United States military from 1942 until the end of World War II.
What Was the 5-in-1 Ration?
The 5-in-1 ration was created to feed five soldiers for one day. It was a complete meal that could be used when soldiers were far from regular kitchens. This ration helped make sure troops had enough energy to do their important jobs.
After World War II ended, the military stopped making new 5-in-1 rations. However, any leftover rations were still given to soldiers. Some were even sent to help people in other countries who needed food. The idea behind the 5-in-1 ration was so good that it was used again in 1948 for new types of field rations.
What Did Soldiers Eat?
The 5-in-1 ration was packed with many different items to give soldiers a balanced meal. Here are some of the things you might find inside:
- Different kinds of beverages
- Butter spread
- Ten different types of canned meat meals
- Canned bread or special biscuits
- Can openers
- Sticky tape (cellulose tape)
- Cereal
- Cheese spread
- Dried soups
- Five kinds of jam
- Evaporated milk
- Fruit
- Fruit juice
- Hard candy
- Paper towels
- Three different kinds of pudding
- Soap
- Sponge
- Sugar
- Toilet paper
- Six different kinds of vegetables
- Water-purification tablets (to make water safe to drink)
