Select Choicerationing programsprice controlsconservation, which limited the purchase of many products to make sure enough were available for military use. Households picked up a book of coupons every month for different kinds of food. When people bought food, they had to have enough coupon points to cover their purchases. Americans also planted gardens in backyards, schoolyards, city parks, and empty lots to produce more food for the war effort. The government encouraged , 2 of 2. Select gardens by praising them in film reels, pamphlets, and official statements.