bA paper document with tokens or sections for stamping, which could be exchanged for food in shops. After Germany started the Second World War, ration cards were introduced in 1939 for food and certain other purchases. Officially, food could only be bought in shops with these cards. Jews (and other victims of Nazi persecution) received smaller rations and were only permitted to go shopping at certain times. Western European forced labourers were also issued with food ration cards, unlike those from Poland and Eastern Europe. The black market became vital for the survival of many people, especially for forced labourers.
Food ration card
