US ration point guide poster with tables for February 1944

This poster is part of the rationing program established by the Office of Price Administration in the US during World War II describing the food ration points effective January 30, 1944. The OPA mailed official tables to food retailers before every ration period, who were required to hang it on the walls for public viewing, which outlined the price and ration point value for each food for the upcoming period. To counteract rising food prices, the OPA fixed price ceilings and introduced ration stamps. Ration stamps, in book form, were issued to every man, woman, and child to be used to buy food. Each stamp had a number designating the points it was worth and a letter showing the exact period during which it could be used. The customer would purchase food and hand over the amount of ration points, which the retailer would use to purchase merchandise. Rationing was slowly phased out after the war until November 9, 1946 when President Truman signed an executive order ending all wage and price controls except on rents, sugar, and rice.