Grain Warehouses Occupied by Germany, how was the Soviet Union Red Army’s Food Situation During World War II?

National Belt-Tightening to Supply Troops

When it comes to Russian cuisine, what comes to mind first are delicacies like smoked salmon, caviar, borscht, and sausages — signature dishes in Russian restaurants. However, during the harsh years of war, enjoying these delicacies would have been difficult.

The model of firearms and the caliber of ammunition can be consistent, but the rations of armies from different countries, taking into account national dietary habits and ethnic characteristics, are bound to differ. So, what was the situation with the Red Army’s food supply during World War II?

1. The Fall of the Soviet Breadbasket

In 1940, just before the Great Patriotic War broke out, the Soviet Union produced 76.1 million tons of potatoes and 95.6 million tons of grain, not only supplying its own needs but also exporting 1.2 million tons. Meat, eggs, and dairy were abundant, and the level of nutritional intake of the citizens far exceeded that of the Tsarist era.

The Soviet Union had such high food production largely because it possessed Ukraine, a major breadbasket. As the saying goes, “An army marches on its stomach.” On June 22, 1941…