food rationing

The most urgent and serious problem was the serious food shortage. By early spring 1942, many people had died after weeks of starvation. The whole population had to rely on a system of food rationing at the rate of 7.5 ounces of rice for each person daily. All other means of food such as fruit and vegetables were either in short supply or just not available.

Chan, S.J. (2014). East River Column -- Hong Kong Guerrillas in the Second World War and After. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.