Patrick Oconnell
Government cheese was a processed cheese product that the US federal government provided to welfare beneficiaries, food stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving social security from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. The cheese was stored in over 150 warehouses across 35 states and distributed to those in need through the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program. The cheese was often mouldy and had a strong odour, but it was also considered a comfort food by those who grew up with it. In the early 1990s, the US government stopped hoarding cheese and exited the cheese-making industry, bringing an end to the distribution of government cheese. However, some people still receive commod cheese today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time period | Late 1970s to early 1990s |
| Distributor | The U.S. government |
| Recipients | Low-income families, welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, the elderly receiving Social Security, food banks, churches, and organizations serving the needy |
| Reasons for distribution | To address food insecurity, stabilize farm incomes during economic challenges, and prevent waste |
| Quantity distributed | More than 560 million pounds |
| Frequency | Monthly (for eligible seniors over 60 years old as of 2022) |
| Storage | Warehouses, community centers, and "Missouri cheese caves" |
| Taste and texture | Salty, pale orange, moldy, strong odor, savory flavor, odd texture |
| Cultural significance | Associated with hard times and poverty, referenced in rap lyrics |
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What You'll Learn
- Government cheese was a result of dairy industry subsidies
- It was distributed to welfare beneficiaries, food stamp recipients, and the elderly
- The cheese was stored in over 150 warehouses across 35 states
- It was unpopular due to its odd texture and strong odour
- The Federal government stopped making cheese in the 1990s
Government cheese was a result of dairy industry subsidies
The government's intervention in the dairy industry aimed to support farmers and cheese companies facing financial difficulties. However, it resulted in a surplus of dairy products, including cheese, butter, and powdered milk. This surplus was initially intended to create a strategic federal food reserve for unexpected surges in demand or crises, such as disaster relief or potential nuclear conflict during the Cold War.
By the early 1980s, the stockpiled cheese reached a breaking point, with concerns about its shelf life and the challenge of finding a market for it. The cheese had become moldy and was deteriorating, leading to suggestions of dumping it into the ocean. Instead, the Reagan administration, facing criticism for cutting the federal food stamp program, decided to distribute the cheese to those in need. On December 22, 1981, President Ronald Reagan signed the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, authorizing the release of 560 million pounds of cheese from CCC stockpiles to be given for free to the needy through nonprofit organizations.
The distribution of government cheese was managed by the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), providing cheese at no cost to welfare beneficiaries, food stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving Social Security. While some appreciated the extra help, others viewed it as a socioeconomic stigma, reminding them of challenging economic times.
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It was distributed to welfare beneficiaries, food stamp recipients, and the elderly
Government cheese was provided at no cost to welfare beneficiaries, food stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving social security. It was distributed through the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and was also available at food banks and pantries. The cheese was often delivered in 5-pound blocks, with a strong odour and a savoury flavour. It was used to make grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese.
The cheese was a byproduct of the US federal government's efforts to maintain an artificially high and stabilized price of milk through dairy industry subsidies, which resulted in a surplus of milk that was converted into cheese, butter, and powdered milk. This surplus was stored in warehouses across 35 states, creating a strategic federal food reserve. On December 22, 1981, President Ronald Reagan signed the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, authorizing the release of 560 million pounds of cheese stockpiled by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to be distributed for free to those in need.
The distribution of government cheese was intended to address food insecurity and provide aid during difficult economic times. However, it also carried a socioeconomic stigma for some recipients. The cheese was also noted for its odd texture and potential for mouldiness due to storage difficulties.
While the federal government exited the cheese-making industry in the 1990s, government cheese continues to hold a place in popular culture, with references in music and comedy. For some, it has become a comfort food, evoking memories of childhood and leaner times. Today, the USDA's Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides eligible seniors over 60 with a monthly block of processed cheese food.
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The cheese was stored in over 150 warehouses across 35 states
The US government's cheese stockpile was a well-known issue in the 1980s, with the press highlighting the vast amount of milk products being stored across the nation. At the same time, millions of Americans faced food insecurity. The cheese was stored in over 150 warehouses across 35 states, creating a strategic federal food reserve. This reserve was intended to be used in the event of unexpected surges in demand, such as disaster relief, or potential nuclear conflict during the Cold War.
The cheese stockpile was a result of the US government's efforts to stabilise milk prices by purchasing excess dairy products from farmers. This led to a surplus of milk, which was then converted into cheese, butter, and powdered milk. The cheese was then stored in warehouses across the country, with each state receiving a share of the cheese.
The distribution of the cheese was managed by the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provided the cheese at no cost to welfare beneficiaries, food stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving social security. The program ensured that the cheese was delivered to various warehouses and community centres, from where it could be picked up for free.
While the program provided much-needed assistance to those in need, it also faced some challenges. One issue was the cheese's tendency to become mouldy due to storage difficulties. Additionally, some recipients viewed the cheese as a symbol of socioeconomic stigma, associating it with hard times and federal handouts.
Despite the mixed reactions, the government cheese program left a lasting impact on American culture. References to government cheese can be found in rap lyrics, sketch comedy shows, and even in the memories of those who grew up with it as a comfort food. Today, while the federal government has exited the cheese-making industry, government cheese still holds a place in the collective memory of Americans who experienced its unique taste and significance.
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It was unpopular due to its odd texture and strong odour
Government cheese was a processed cheese product that was distributed to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving Social Security in the United States. It was also provided to food banks and churches. This cheese was a byproduct of the US federal government's efforts to maintain an artificially high and stabilized price of milk through dairy industry subsidies, which resulted in a surplus of milk that was converted into cheese, butter, and powdered milk.
The distribution of government cheese became a widely discussed topic in the 1980s, when the press highlighted the contrast between the large stockpiles of milk products being stored across the nation and the food insecurity faced by millions of Americans. During this time, President Ronald Reagan's administration cut the budget for the federal food stamp program, further emphasizing the irony of the situation.
While some individuals have fond memories of government cheese, describing it as delicious or comfort food, others recall its odd texture and strong odour, which made it less desirable as a snack. This cheese was often associated with difficult economic times and food insecurity, which may have contributed to its unpopularity.
The odd texture and strong odour of government cheese can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the large quantities of cheese being stored presented significant storage challenges, often resulting in moldiness. This issue was highlighted by former US Secretary of Agriculture, John R. Block, who brought a five-pound chunk of moldy and deteriorating government cheese to the White House during the cheese crisis in the early 1980s. Secondly, the high volume of milk used to produce this cheese may have contributed to its unusual texture and odour. With farmers producing excess milk, the subsequent cheese production resulted in a surplus that was challenging to manage and distribute efficiently.
In addition to the texture and odour, the potential digestive issues associated with dairy products may have further contributed to the unpopularity of government cheese. It is well-documented that a significant proportion of the American population, particularly those from minority backgrounds, experience lactose intolerance. As minorities have been heavily represented in welfare programs, the distribution of dairy products as a form of assistance may not have been the most suitable or practical solution for addressing food insecurity.
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The Federal government stopped making cheese in the 1990s
Government cheese was a product of the US federal government's efforts to stabilize milk prices and support farmers and cheese companies. The government purchased excess milk and converted it into cheese, butter, and powdered milk, which resulted in a massive stockpile of dairy products, including cheese. This cheese was then distributed to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, the elderly, and food banks.
In the 1980s, the issue of government cheese became prominent as the press highlighted the contrast between the large milk product stockpiles and the food insecurity faced by millions of Americans. The Reagan administration's cuts to the federal food stamp program further intensified the focus on government cheese. On December 22, 1981, Reagan signed the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, authorizing the distribution of 560 million pounds of cheese stockpiled by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to those in need.
However, as the dairy market stabilized in the 1990s, the need for the government to continue its cheese stockpiling decreased. The Federal government exited the cheese-making industry during this decade. The end of herd buyouts and the stabilization of the dairy market contributed to the government's decision to stop making cheese.
The government cheese program had a significant impact on the country's low-income population, with many relying on these dairy products to meet their nutritional needs. While some appreciated the assistance, others viewed it as a stigmatizing reminder of hard times. The cheese was noted for its strong odor and savory flavor, and it has even been referenced in popular culture, such as rap lyrics, as a symbol of lean times.
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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.
The US government started purchasing excess dairy products from farmers in 1949 to keep them afloat and to stabilize farm incomes during times of economic challenge. This led to a surplus that was converted into cheese, butter, and powdered milk. The excess was stored in warehouses across 35 states, creating a strategic Federal food reserve.
The Federal government exited the cheese-making industry in the 1990s when the dairy market stabilized, and there was little need for the government to continue its cheese hoarding. While some people disliked the cheese, those who grew up with it hold some fond memories of it.
