Patrick Oconnell
Government cheese, a staple of the 20th-century American diet, was distributed to low-income families under welfare programs during the 1980s and early 1990s. This cheese, known for its long shelf life and distinct orange hue, was provided by the government to address dairy surpluses and support struggling farmers. While some have fond memories of grilled cheese sandwiches made with this cheese, others associate it with hard times and poverty. Interestingly, despite its name, government cheese doesn't melt easily and has a tendency to congeal when warmed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Resembles cheddar but is similar to Velveeta; vaguely processed with a resistant, hard-cheese feel |
| Colour | Orange |
| Shape | Large, rectangular blocks |
| Taste | Meaty and vaguely rubbery; salty |
| Melting | Does not melt, congeals when warmed |
| Nutritional value | More protein per ounce than most public cheese |
| Substitutes | Land O' Lakes Easy Melt American Cheese, Kraft American Singles, Fields brand pre-sliced cheese |
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What You'll Learn
- Government cheese was distributed to low-income families under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program
- The Reagan administration gave away cheese to tackle the growing storage costs of stockpiling
- Government cheese is reminiscent of hard times and poverty
- Rappers like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar reference government cheese in their lyrics
- Government cheese resembles cheddar in texture but is more like Velveeta
Government cheese was distributed to low-income families under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program
Government cheese, which was distributed to low-income families under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program, has a long and fascinating history. The story begins in the 1930s when the United States government started to stockpile dairy products as part of price support programs for farmers. By the 1980s, these stockpiles had become so large that the cost of storing them became a significant challenge for the government.
In 1981, the Reagan administration made the decision to address this issue by distributing free processed cheese to America's poor. This initiative was known as the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program, and it had a significant impact on the country's low-income population. The cheese was delivered from the federal government to each state, and it was then sent to various warehouses and community centers for free pickup by those in need.
The cheese provided through this program was described as "pasteurized process American cheese," and it was produced from a variety of different types of cheese, including Cheddar, Colby, cheese curd, or granular cheese. It was made meltable using emulsifiers and blended with other ingredients. The cheese was provided in large, rectangular blocks, and it had a distinctive orange color. While it resembled cheddar in texture, it was also compared to processed cheese products like Velveeta, with a hard and slightly rubbery feel.
The distribution of government cheese under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program left a lasting impact on popular culture and personal memories. For many, the cheese became associated with hard times and poverty, as it was a staple for those struggling to make ends meet. Rappers like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar have referenced government cheese in their lyrics to recall these lean times. Despite its less-than-stellar reputation for taste and quality, government cheese also evokes fond memories of childhood and family, as it was often a part of meals shared with loved ones.
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The Reagan administration gave away cheese to tackle the growing storage costs of stockpiling
The story of "government cheese" begins in the 1970s, during former US President Jimmy Carter's administration. In response to a national dairy shortage and 30% inflation on dairy products, the government intervened, resulting in drastically falling prices. To address this crisis, the government began to subsidize the dairy industry, providing two billion dollars over the next four years. While this plan was welcomed by dairy farmers, it also led to overproduction.
By the time Ronald Reagan took office, the federal cheese stockpile had reached over 2 pounds (1 kg) per capita in the US. The stockpiles were so large that storing them became prohibitively expensive. In 1981, the Reagan administration decided to distribute free processed cheese to the poor under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). This program was intended to help low-income individuals and families, providing them with food assistance without impacting their welfare benefits or food stamp eligibility. California was the first state to receive this aid, with a 3,000,000-pound (1,400-ton) shipment.
The "government cheese" became a cultural icon, referenced in songs by rappers like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar. It is described as resembling cheddar in texture but with a harder, more processed feel. It was orange in color and came in large, rectangular blocks. While it was not particularly tasty, it holds a special place in the memories of those who grew up with it.
The cheese distribution programs continued into the 1990s, even as the dairy market stabilized and the need for government intervention diminished. Eventually, the donation programs slowed down, and the government's cheese stockpiles decreased. However, in recent years, the government has again found itself storing cheese due to trade disputes and declining dairy consumption. While the reasons for the cheese surplus may have changed, the challenge of managing it remains, with the government employing various strategies like the USDA Food Nutrition Service Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) to tackle this issue.
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Government cheese is reminiscent of hard times and poverty
Government cheese, a staple of the 20th-century American diet, evokes a range of emotions and memories for many. While some may recall its distinctive orange hue and rubbery texture, for others, it is a stark reminder of hard times and poverty.
The distribution of government cheese began in the 1980s as part of the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program under the Reagan administration. With a growing surplus of cheese stockpiled by the government, it was decided that this dairy product would be given to America's poor. This cheese, often referred to as "government cheese," became a symbol of federal handouts and a means to fill the dinner table for those facing financial struggles.
The act of receiving and consuming government cheese was not without its complexities. While it provided a source of nutrition for low-income individuals and families, it also carried a certain stigma. For some, the cheese was a reminder of their reliance on government assistance during difficult times. This sentiment is reflected in popular culture, such as in the lyrics of rapper Jay-Z, who references "government cheese" in his song "F.U.T.W." to illustrate his journey from rags to riches.
Despite the less-than-desirable circumstances associated with government cheese, it also holds warm memories for some. Individuals who grew up during the era of government cheese distribution recall it playing a role in their first cooking experiences, such as making grilled cheese sandwiches with their cousins or siblings. These recollections are not necessarily about the taste or quality of the cheese but about the shared experiences and stories that emerged from its presence in their lives.
In conclusion, while government cheese may be reminiscent of hard times and poverty for some, it also represents a unique chapter in American history where a significant proportion of the country's low-income population was sustained by this distinctive dairy product. The distribution of government cheese highlights the complexities of government assistance and the impact it can have on the lives of those it reaches.
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Rappers like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar reference government cheese in their lyrics
In the late 20th century, the United States government began distributing free processed cheese to America's poor under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program. This "government cheese" became a symbol of poverty and hardship for many. As a result, it has been referenced in popular culture, including in the lyrics of rappers like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar.
In his song "F.U.T.W." from the album Magna Carta Holy Grail, Jay-Z raps about his rags-to-riches story, mentioning "government cheese" as a representation of his humble beginnings:
> "After that government cheese, we eating steak / After the projects, now we on estates / I'm from the bottom, I know y'all can relate."
Kendrick Lamar also references "government cheese" in his song "Money Trees" from the album Good Kid, M.A.A.d City. In the song, Lamar talks about the struggles of trying to provide for himself and his family, rapping:
> "What else is a thug to do when you eatin' cheese from the government? / Gotta provide for my daughter 'nem, get the fuck up out my way, bish."
By referencing "government cheese" in their lyrics, both Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar allude to a time of financial struggle and reliance on government assistance. This adds depth and relatability to their narratives of perseverance and success, showcasing their journeys from the bottom to the top.
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Government cheese resembles cheddar in texture but is more like Velveeta
In the 1980s, the US government had accumulated a large surplus of cheese, totaling 560 million pounds by 1981. This cheese was a result of decades of propping up the dairy industry by buying surplus milk and turning it into processed cheese. With the cheese stockpiles growing, the Reagan administration decided to distribute free processed cheese to low-income Americans through the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program. Thus, "government cheese" became a familiar sight in American kitchens during the 80s and early 90s.
Government cheese, with its distinctive orange hue, resembled cheddar in texture but was more akin to Velveeta in terms of meltability. It had a hard-cheese feel, a meaty and vaguely rubbery texture, and it didn't melt easily when heated. Instead of melting, it tended to congeal, making it suitable for dishes like macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The distribution of government cheese was not without its challenges. The cheese had a long shelf life, but it would eventually spoil, and the cost of storing the massive stockpiles was becoming prohibitive. The government's solution was to offload the cheese through welfare programs and school lunches, providing much-needed assistance to those in need while also addressing the surplus issue.
Despite its functional limitations, government cheese holds a special place in the memories of those who grew up with it. It may not have been the tastiest option, but it provided sustenance and, more importantly, created warm memories of shared meals and fun cooking experiences with family and friends. For some, it represents a time of hardship and reliance on federal aid, while for others, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and simpler times.
Today, the US government no longer hoards cheese to the same extent, and the dairy market has stabilized. However, the legacy of government cheese lives on in popular culture, with references in music and media, and in the memories of those who once enjoyed its unique qualities.
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Frequently asked questions
Government cheese is a name given to the cheese that was once distributed by the US government to low-income families under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program. It was implemented by the Reagan administration in 1981 to tackle the cheese surplus, which was costing the government $1 million a day in storage costs.
Government cheese does not melt in the same way that regular cheese does. It is described as having a resistant, hard-cheese feel and when warmed, it "doesn't melt so much as congeal".
The US government no longer distributes cheese to citizens. However, some people claim that Land O' Lakes Easy Melt American Cheese, available on Amazon, is similar to the government-issued cheese of the past.
Government cheese was not well-liked by all of its recipients. It is described as being too salty and vaguely rubbery. However, it is also said to be rich and yellow with more protein per ounce than most public cheese.
