Norman Rockwell's 'Freedom from Want' was published in The Saturday Evening Post as part of a series illustrating Franklin D. Roosevelt's Four Freedoms, which defined essential rights to be enjoyed by all people. These freedoms included freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Rockwell's rendering depicted a wholesome family gathering around a Thanksgiving dinner table, symbolizing abundance, gratitude, and the idealized American family life. The illustration not only showcased Rockwell's talent for narrative art but also served as a powerful visual commentary on the importance of community and togetherness during the hardships of war. Carlos Bulosan's essay, accompanying the artwork, amplified these themes, emphasizing the immigrant experience and the universal desire for security and fulfillment.

The Four Freedoms series intended to inspire hope and resilience among Americans facing the privations of World War II. Rockwell's work particularly resonated during this period of uncertainty, presenting an optimistic vision of the future while reminding citizens of their shared responsibilities toward one another. The combination of Rockwell's art and Bulosan's prose effectively conveyed the aspiration for well-being that transcended demographic boundaries, inviting all Americans into the narrative.