1917 NYC Food Protest: Voices Against Rising Prices

On February 20, 1917, a significant protest unfolded at East Broadway and Rutgers Street in New York City, where demonstrators gathered to voice their concerns about food shortages and rising prices. During World War I, many cities faced food supply challenges, leading to public outcry as everyday citizens struggled to afford basic necessities. The photograph captures a moment of civil unrest, reflecting the widespread discontent that stemmed from economic hardships exacerbated by the war.

Taken by a Bain News Service photographer, this image provides a rare glimpse into the social climate of early 20th-century America. It highlights the intersection of economic distress and activism, as ordinary people took to the streets to demand change during a turbulent time in history. Such protests were part of a broader narrative of citizen engagement in pressing social issues, marking an essential chapter in the ongoing struggle for economic justice.