Food was scarce in war-torn Europe during World War II.

Max Steinmetz recalls being required to present food ration coupons while he was a teenager in Romania. Jews received more restrictive ration coupons than non-Jews and did not receive coupons for meat or milk.

“I would walk to a large warehouse where there was total chaos. I waited for hours in a long line for food, usually potatoes. Many days, the food ran out before I reached the distribution area. Along with hundreds of people, I left with only the ration coupons in my hand. There would be no food for my hungry family that day.”