Food and freedom

In order that we shall continue to have, there- fore, this very essential milk to meet our abso- lute needs, in order that the number of our herds — which very truly represent the strength of a country — shall not be decreased, the demand for milk as a food must be increased. The dairyman must be encouraged, milk production must be stimulated by increased use. Because of the im- mediate actual milk shortage, however, this in- creased demand for milk must be accomplished without waste, or careless or unfair use. The subtle complication is apparent, and can only be unraveled, step by step, somewhat as follows: "Milk consumption in the United States should not fall below one pint of milk per capita per day." ^ From one pint to one quart of whole milk a day for each child, and from one-half to one pint for each adult is a wise allowance. A gen- eral demand for this amount would react favor- ably on the dairying business. At the present time, however, with our popu- lation of over 100,000,000, ''we produce only 39,354,116,300 quarts of milk a year. , Of this 4.3 per cent, must go to feed calves, while 6.6 per cent, is used for the manufacture of ice- cream and condensed milk. 89.1 per cent, is left for butter, cheese, and consumption in fluid form. This gives each of us not more than 350 quarts of milk a year," or one quart a day ^ Kellogg and Taylor, The Food Problem. THE WORLD ON A DIET 49 for everything — butter, cheese, whatever milk is used as milk, as well as the butter we must ex- port. This at best means only one-half pound of butter apiece a week, a limited use of cream, and no milk wasted, if there is to be enough whole milk left, in fluid form, for the children. Until our milk equilibrium can be restored, there- fore, and while we must keep in mind increased consumption in order to encourage the producer a fair division of whatever milk is immedi- ately available must be made, every drop of milk must be used to advantage, and all chil- dren— particularly those under six years — should be protected, and receive their needed and just measure of unskimmed milk. It is to insure this that we have been asked by the Food Administration to refrain from the use of butter in cooking, and cream as a luxury — unless, of course, a fortunate and abundant local or per- sonal supply might otherwise justify its use. Butter for cooking, and cream merely to gratify the palate are unessential, and should not be used at the cost of table butter for another, or whole milk for a child. These are essential — and cannot go. "Conservation as an economic and political term has come to mean the preservation of our natural resources for economical use, so as to secure the greatest good to the greatest number." ^ Conservation of milk means to use it, but to use it with judgment. 1 Ex-President Taft. . 50 FOOD AND FREEDOM The discipline, as well as food economy and education resulting from our living by the pledge, must show itself in greater national strength, in less narrow methods of living, in the years to come. And if, in this final effort, we, once more, honestly offer our best and most understanding service, then, hopefully, not only freedom for ourselves, but a new and stronger world freedom, shall be the great reward. REFERENCES: The Food Problem, Kellogg and Taylor.