Why did the government encourage Americans to grow food in victory gardens during World War Il?

The country was starving and the food was rationed, it encouraged saving and more people off food stamps and let them take care of themselves

As part of the war effort, the government rationed foods like sugar, butter, milk, cheese, eggs, coffee, meat and canned goods. Labor and transportation shortages made it hard to harvest and move fruits and vegetables to market. So, the government turned to its citizens and encouraged them to plant "Victory Gardens." They wanted individuals to provide their own fruits and vegetables.