The movement of feeding the troops became popular during the Civil War, continued throughout both of the World Wars and is still alive today with organizations such as USO, the Red Cross and Salvation Army. Community volunteers started this movement by providing meals to soldiers to supplement their government rations. Now the trend has grown into much more, including celebrity support and entertainment extending to the front lines.
The Refreshment Saloon at the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park gives visitors a “taste” of history and enhances the interpretive experience by offering meals based on recipes popular during the Civil War.
| Feeding the Troops Backgrounder (PDF) |  |
