I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve never been to Washington, DC. I’ve been to the capitals of four European nations, and never to our own… (Godless pinko!) But now that I know about the Special Collections at the National Agriculture Library (which occupies a 14-story building on the grounds of the cool-yet-creepy looking USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center), I may have to finally take that patriotic pilgrimage. This summer may be the moment, to coincide with this summer’s “Beans are Bullets” exhibition, featuring of the NAL’s collection of war-era food posters. Take away the whole war thing and these posters are basically advertisements for Be Thrifty–in message anyway, if not motivation.

I have created a slide show of my favorite posters (after the jump, click on any image to get started), but you can explore the entire awe-inspiring array of foodie propaganda online here. While you’re at it, check out Popcorn: Ingrained in America’s Agricultural History. (Get it? Ingrained? Gotta love that bureaucrat humor!)