Bushra Griffith
Government cheese is processed cheese provided to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving Social Security in the United States. It has been used in schools since the 1950s. The cheese was often from food surpluses stockpiled by the government as part of milk price support. The US government has been storing cheese in Missouri cheese caves, underground warehouses for storing and ageing cheese. The cheese is distributed to victims of natural disasters and was also used in military kitchens during World War II.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When did the use of government cheese in schools start? | The use of government cheese in schools started in the 1950s. |
| What is government cheese? | Government cheese is processed cheese made from a variety of cheese (Cheddar cheese, Colby cheese, cheese curd, or granular cheese), made meltable using emulsifiers, and blended. |
| Who is it provided to? | Welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, the elderly receiving Social Security, food banks, churches, and schools. |
| Why is it provided? | To help dairy farmers by maintaining their prices. |
| Where is it stored? | In "Missouri cheese caves", underground warehouses for storing and aging cheese in and around the Midwestern state of Missouri, part of a national network of such facilities. |
| How much is provided to eligible seniors? | Eligible seniors over the age of 60 are provided one 32-ounce (910 g) block of processed cheese food each month, supplied by participating dairies. |
| Is it still provided? | Government cheese subsidies were removed in the 1990s when the dairy market stabilized. |
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What You'll Learn
Government cheese is used in schools
Government cheese is a term used to refer to the processed cheese provided by the US federal government to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, Social Security recipients, food banks, churches, and schools. The term "government cheese" became a part of American culture, signalling class and nostalgia.
The US government started buying surplus milk products to help dairy farmers maintain their prices. This led to the stockpiling of milk products and cheese, which were stored in warehouses and underground cellars across the country. The government cheese programme was a result of the government's intervention in the dairy market to 'protect' producers. The cheese was made from a variety of different types of cheeses, blended together with other ingredients such as emulsifiers. While the taste and texture of government cheese are regarded with disdain by some, others have fond memories of its unique flavour.
Government cheese has been distributed to schools since the 1950s. In 1946, Congress signed the National School Lunch Act, which required every meal served in schools to include milk. However, milk presented logistical challenges due to its perishability, high transportation costs, and storage difficulties. As a result, government cheese became a practical alternative for schools to ensure that students had access to dairy products.
In addition to schools, government cheese was also provided to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving Social Security. It was also distributed to food banks, community centres, and churches. During World War II, government cheese was used in military kitchens, and it continued to be included in military rations post-war. Government cheese was also given to victims of natural disasters following a state of emergency declaration.
The distribution of government cheese has been a controversial topic. On the one hand, it has been criticised for being high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and some experts consider it unhealthy. On the other hand, it has provided a source of nutrition for those in need and helped stabilise prices for dairy farmers. However, the overproduction of cheese and the resulting stockpiles have led to concerns about waste and the potential adverse effects on the commercial cheese market.
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It's made from dairy surpluses
Government cheese is made from dairy surpluses. The US government has a long history of buying surplus milk products to help dairy farmers maintain their prices. This results in massive amounts of cheese being stockpiled in government-owned warehouses and caves. In 2022, the USDA reported that commercial inventories of American cheese topped 1.5 billion pounds, the highest level since the 1980s.
The government's involvement in the dairy market has led to a persistent issue of overproduction. To address this, the government has distributed cheese to various groups, including welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, the elderly, food banks, and schools. This distribution of cheese, known as "government cheese," became a part of American culture, symbolizing both class and nostalgia.
Government cheese is typically made from a variety of cheeses, such as Cheddar, Colby, cheese curds, or granular cheese, blended together with emulsifiers to create a meltable product. While it is easy to cook with due to its melting properties, government cheese is often regarded with disdain for its taste and texture.
The distribution of government cheese has been a controversial topic. On the one hand, it helps support dairy farmers and provides food aid to those in need. On the other hand, the processed cheese is high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, leading many food scientists to consider it unhealthy. Additionally, the government's efforts to promote dairy consumption through programs like the 1946 National School Lunch Act have been criticized for contributing to overproduction and waste.
The history of government cheese in the United States demonstrates the complex interplay between agricultural policy, economic stability, and public health considerations. While the distribution of government cheese has had some benefits, it also highlights the challenges of managing surplus dairy products and the potential negative impacts on public health and the environment.
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It's distributed to welfare beneficiaries
Government cheese is distributed to welfare beneficiaries, food stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving social security in the United States. It is also provided to food banks and churches. This program was especially important during times of crisis, such as potential nuclear conflict during the Cold War, and natural disasters. During the 1980s, government cheese became a topic of interest for the press as they uncovered the stockpiling of milk products while millions of Americans faced food insecurity.
The cheese is made from a variety of cheeses, including Cheddar, Colby, curds, and granular cheese, which are blended with emulsifiers to create a meltable product. While some people enjoyed the taste of government cheese, others found it to be salty and of poor quality.
The history of government cheese dates back to World War II when it was used in military kitchens and schools. The government bought surplus milk products to support dairy farmers and maintain prices, which resulted in a buildup of cheese stockpiles. This surplus cheese was then distributed to those in need through programs like the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
In the 1980s, under President Ronald Reagan, the distribution of government cheese became more widespread. Reagan's administration, however, also cut the budget for the federal food stamp program. The cheese was provided at no cost to welfare recipients, and California was the first state to receive a significant amount, totaling 3,000,000 pounds.
Today, government cheese continues to be distributed to eligible seniors over the age of 60 through programs like the USDA Food Nutrition Service Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). While the cheese is intended to provide assistance, it has also faced criticism for being high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, contributing to health concerns.
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It's stored in Missouri cheese caves
Government cheese is a term for processed cheese provided to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving Social Security in the United States. It is also distributed to food banks, churches, and victims of natural disasters. During World War II, it was used in military kitchens, and since the 1950s, it has been supplied to schools.
The US government has a history of buying surplus milk products to support dairy farmers by maintaining their prices. This results in the overproduction of dairy, which the government then purchases and stores. This surplus is stockpiled in "Missouri cheese caves", underground warehouses for storing and ageing cheese in and around Missouri. These cheese caves are expansive, dimly lit, and kept at a steady temperature of around 36°F (about 2°C) to 60°F (about 15°C) to facilitate the storage and ageing of cheese.
Missouri is known as "the Cave State" due to the abundant and porous limestone that forms more than 7,000 caves. The cheese caves are former limestone mines that have been converted into climate-controlled storage facilities with massive holding capacities. They are naturally climate-controlled at around 60°F (about 15°C) with moderate humidity, making them ideal for storing perishable goods like cheese.
The cheese caves in Springfield, Missouri, are part of a larger phenomenon where the US government stores billions of pounds of surplus cheese. While the exact amount of cheese stored in these caves is unknown, it is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands to billions of pounds. The cheese caves are not open to the public, and the type and amount of cheese stored within remain a mystery.
The use of these caves for storing immense amounts of dairy products continues, despite the USDA no longer actively stockpiling cheese in them. The symbolism of the caves persists, however, and they are often invoked during debates over agricultural subsidies and food policies.
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It's been a topic of controversy
The use of government cheese in schools has been a topic of controversy. Government cheese is processed cheese provided to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving Social Security in the United States, as well as to food banks and churches. This cheese has been used in schools since the 1950s.
The controversy surrounding government cheese in schools stems from several factors. Firstly, there are concerns about the quality and taste of the cheese. Some people have described government cheese as having an unpleasant taste and texture, and it has been regarded with disdain by some consumers. Additionally, there are health concerns associated with the cheese as it is high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Many food scientists consider it unhealthy, and there is conflicting messaging from government departments, with the US Department of Agriculture promoting greater consumption of dairy products while the US Department of Health recommends reducing their consumption.
The cheese was often made from surplus milk products stockpiled by the government as a result of its efforts to support milk prices and dairy farmers. This led to significant overproduction and large stockpiles of cheese, which the government then distributed through various programs, including to schools. The use of government cheese in schools has been controversial because it is seen as a symbol of government intervention in the market and the potential negative impact of such intervention on the dairy industry and consumers.
Furthermore, the distribution of government cheese has been a topic of debate due to its association with food insecurity and poverty. While it provided a source of nutrition for low-income individuals and families, it has also been criticized for not adequately addressing the underlying issues of food insecurity and poverty. There are also concerns about the potential wastefulness of the program, as some of the cheese was reportedly moldy or deteriorating, indicating issues with storage and distribution.
The controversy surrounding government cheese in schools also extends to the broader political implications of the program. Some people view it as a symbol of government overreach and inefficiency, while others see it as a necessary measure to support vulnerable members of society. The program's association with specific political administrations, such as President Ronald Reagan's administration, which cut the budget for the federal food stamp program while providing government cheese, has also contributed to the controversy.
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Frequently asked questions
Government cheese is processed cheese provided to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving Social Security in the United States, as well as to food banks and churches.
Yes, government cheese has been used in schools since the 1950s.
While some people like the taste of government cheese, it is regarded with disdain by many. It is said to be SUPER salty and is reportedly easy to cook with because it melts readily.
