ABSTRACT
The gaining of independence of Finland in 1917 impacted greatly upon the country’s social environment. Some urgent priorities facing Finland, among others, were to promote self-sufficiency, develop the domestic food industry and enhance the appreciation for and consumption of domestic food products. The First World War and the Finnish civil war in 1918 had adversely impacted on food supply in many ways. As in many other countries, food was in short supply in Finland, prices rose and eventually food was rationed. However, this ‘lean period’ was followed by the 1920s, which ushered in an era of economic growth and social reforms. In this chapter, we analyse how the first Food Fair with its aims, its approaches and the general conditions under which it was held reflected the prevailing social circumstances and addressed issues about improving the food supply and nutrition in Finland.
