The wide extent of the relief work made it necessary to develop the most rigid simplicity and standardization in the apportionment of food to the strikers. Hence, only two sizes of rations could be used; one for families of five or less, and the other for families of six or more. These were varied from time to time, always bearing in mind the cooking facilities of the strikers and the many food likes and dislikes of the various nationalities. To facilitate the carrying away of the food and to make it last the better, two commissary days were held each week, in each locality. The rations were listed on large posters (white for families of five or less, and green for families of six or more) which were prominently displayed in the local commissaries in order that the strikers could see exactly how much provisions they were entitled to. The following are typical rations: FAMILIES OF FIVE OR LESS First Half Week Second Half Week Potatoes 15 lbs. Bread 4 loaves Bread 4 loaves Tomatoes 1 can Tomatoes 1 can Corn 1 can Peas 1 can Peas 1 can Navy beans 4 lbs. Red beans 4 lbs. Oatmeal 1 box Kraut 2 cans Bacon 1 lb. Dry salt meat 1 lb. Coffee 1 lb. Syrup 1 can Milk 1 can FAMILIES OF SIX OR MORE First Half Week Second Half Week Potatoes 10 lbs. Potatoes 10 lbs. Bread 5 loaves Bread 5 loaves Tomatoes 1 can Tomatoes 1 can Corn 1 can Corn 1 can Peas 1 can Peas 1 can Navy beans 5 lbs. Kraut 2 cans Oatmeal 2 boxes Red beans 5 lbs. Bacon 1 lb. Dry salt meat 1 lb. Coffee 1 lb. Milk 1 can Milk 1 can Syrup 1 can It was not contended that these rations were enough to sustain completely the recipients' families; but they helped mightily. Few, if any, went hungry. Single men in need received a half week's rations to last the week. The greatest care was taken to have the supplies of the best quality and in good condition. Whatever the unions gave they wanted the strikers to understand was in the best spirit of brotherly solidarity.[25] The provisions were distributed strictly according to the following card system: 1. Identification card: An applicant requesting relief would be referred to a credentialed volunteer relief committee. If this committee deemed the case a needy one, it would issue the striker an identification card. This he was required to show when dealing at the commissary.