Victory Gardening was not a new concept invented during World War II.  The following information are examples from other historical periods.

16th Century War Gardens

"Carrets are good to be eaten with salt fish.  Therefore sowe Carrets in your Gardens, and humbly praise God for them, as for a singular and great blessing; so thus much for the use and benefit had in the commonwealth by Carrets.  Admiot if it should please God that any City or towne should be besieged with the Enemy, what better provision for the greatest number of people can bee, then every garden to be sufficiently planted with Carrets."

Richard Gardiner - 1597