During World War Two, victory gardens produced a significant amount of food — approximately 40 percent of the vegetables consumed in 1943. And gardens gave people a way to contribute to the war effort. Canning was an important part of the victory garden program, as it allowed the bounty of the harvest to be preserved for the winter. Canning was a common activity during the war: in 1942, 64% of women canned food for household use; in 1943, the percentage was 75%. On average, families that canned put up 165 cans or jars per year during the war.