Anniversary

After one year's rationing of meat and processed foods, grocers last week took stock. Their findings:

P: I When the U.S. housewife sees "Fancy," "Choice," and "Standard" canned peas, she leaves the "Standard" on the shelf.

With plenty of money and not many points, she buys the best, or the nationally advertised brands.

P: Macaroni moves slowly because tomato sauce and cheese are difficult to get; pancake-mix stays on the shelf when the butter supply is tight. Jello is in demand as a substitute for canned fruits. Unrationed relishes and pickles outsell rationed catsup. Since working women have less time and inclination to bake, sales of extracts and baking powder have slumped. Dog food, originally the No. 1 U.S. seller in cans, has fallen off 50%. (Dogs do not like the dehydrated products.)

P: Gas rationing and heedlessness of high prices have cut down the sales by chains and supermarkets, and have boosted the neighborhood grocer's business. Dollar sales of grocery chains declined 16% during 1943 ; independents showed a 20% gain.

P: The new fiber tokens, which are good for an indefinite period, are going into hiding. Householders collect the chips in old fruit jars, to avoid losing unused points when stamps expire, or having to stand in line cashing stamps on the last day.

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