Why did the united states become involved in nicaragua in the 1980s? a. to ease tensions with the soviet union b. to defend civilians from terrorist threats c. to demonstrate their support for israel d. to support anti-communist rebel groups

D. To support anti-communist rebel groups

 The United States wanted to keep the communism from spreading to the other areas of the world. It supported the Contra rebels in Nicaragua because of its goal to fight against a regime that was influenced by the communists such as the Sandinistas.

The answer is really self explanatory. Rationing food allowed them to get through out the war without having to worry about the amount of food supply they had.