Photo from Manatee County Historical Society (MCHS), taken by Harold R. Smith during WWII; several women “put up” produce in the Palmetto Defense Kitchen in the Palmetto Armory, doing their part to help the war effort. During World War II, folks were encouraged to plant gardens at home to help prevent a food shortage. These backyard plots were called Victory Gardens and were abundant across the country. Being an agricultural community, it is no surprise that Manatee County’s