Insnab was a Soviet state organization responsible for the provision of foreign specialists and workers employed in the Soviet industry with food and commodities. It was established in 1932 with the aim to reduce the impact of food shortages on foreign communities. Within the system of food rationing introduced in the early 1930s, foreign specialists and workers were one of the most privileged group in the USSR. For example, in 1932, American and Canadian specialists employed in the Soviet region of Karelia

Republic of Karelia

The Republic of Karelia is a federal subject of Russia .-Geography:The republic is located in the northwestern part of Russia, taking intervening position between the basins of White and Baltic seas...

were provided with basic foodstuffs according to the following monthly norms:

Meat - 7 kg per person, 3 kg per family member

Butter - 1.5 kg per person, 1 kg per family member

Fish - 3 kg per person, 2 kg per family member

Sugar - 3 kg per person, 1.5 kg per family member.

Russian workers who received basics products according to the 2nd rate applied in Soviet Karelia were supplied according to the following monthly norms:

Meat - 1 kg per person, 1 kg per family member

Butter - not supplied

Fish - 2 kg per person, 1 kg per family member

Sugar - 1 kg per person, 1 kg per family member.