When Do We Eat Wartime Nutrition & Working Conditions Film (1944)

Synopsis

Canada’s National Film Board presents “When Do We Eat,” part of the “Knife and Fork Series” created during World War II. This black-and-white film, made circa 1943, addresses the importance nutrition and its role toward a protective work day. “Old men, back to work after years of Depression,” it is said at mark 02:10. “Women quickly adjusting themselves to factory noise and heat. Boys, just out of school, taking on overnight the long hours of overnight. But the strain has been taking its toll of the nation’s health.” From a montage of factory scenes, the film takes the viewer to soldiers in the field at mark 02:47, and the realization that if soldiers need a balanced diet to remain productive, so too do the workers. “With new food limitations arising out of the war, the question of proper feeding demanded serious attention.” At mark 03:30, the narrator explains that employers were being asked to review eating areas for employees, and asking the employees themselves to take note of what they are eating. “To throw over some of their old eating habits and see new value in wholesome food,” the audience is told, as the camera pans to a chart identifying such healthy foods as milk, meat, fruit, and vegetables. Specific dietary recommendations are provided starting at mark 04:00, as the film shows men and women enjoying such nutritious servings. The audience is also reminded of the importance of breakfast, with the viewer encouraged to consume one-third of their daily dietary…

Uploader's description on archive.org

Details

Running time

14 minutes

Language

English

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage