During WWII, significant emphasis was placed upon the “Homefront”. Rationing and security issues are often mentioned, but another “Front” was the effort to increase food production. A national effort was implemented entitled, “Victory Garden”. The Sacramento Bee and KFBK endorsed the program and sponsored three “Harvest Festivals” in 1943, ‘44, and ’45.  Under the parent corporation of McClatchy Newspapers, a program of enlisting citizens to tear out their front and backyards and plant gardens with emphasis on fruits and vegetables was begun. To encourage local citizens, the Sacramento Bee had still photographer Bob Handsacker produce a 16mm color motion picture film. It is believed that Handsacker had never before produced a motion picture. Most of his editing was undertaken in his camera because he lacked the equipment to undertake significant post-production editing.

The film and promotional campaign was a great success. Three Harvest Festivals were held in Memorial Auditorium and the fruit and vegetables were sent to the Bercut Richards Cannery where they were canned under a “V” for victory label.

In 1945, the Sacramento Bee and KFBK, along with two other recipients on the West Coast, received a national plaque in recognition of their successful program. Eleanor Roosevelt sent a personal letter to Eleanor McClatchy complementing Sacramento on an outstanding program.