1917 Food Protest Rally in New York City Streets

This photograph, taken on February 20, 1917, captures a food protest meeting at East Broadway and Rutgers Street in New York City. The gathering reflects the growing concerns of citizens during World War I, a time when food scarcity and rising prices were pressing issues. The image, documented by the Bain News Service, sheds light on the collective actions of citizens advocating for food rights and affordable prices in response to economic hardships.

Such protests were part of a broader movement aimed at addressing social inequities and the impact of war on everyday life. The early twentieth century saw many communities rallying for change, and this photograph serves as a valuable historical record of those who voiced their concerns in an era marked by turmoil and transformation.