Patrick Oconnell
Government cheese, also known as surplus cheese, is a commodity cheese that was controlled by the US federal government from World War II until the early 1980s. It was provided to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving Social Security. In the 1980s, the US had massive stockpiles of dairy products due to price support programs and economic initiatives for farmers and food producers. As a result, the government distributed this cheese to people in need, and it became a cornerstone of survival for many. Wahlburgers, the burger chain owned by entertainers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, uses government cheese on their cheeseburgers, which they refer to as welfare cheese. This choice of cheese adds a unique element to their menu and evokes feelings of nostalgia for those who relied on it in the past.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Government Cheese |
| Other Names | Surplus Cheese, Welfare Cheese |
| Colour | Orange |
| Texture | Smooth |
| Flavour | Mild cheddar to Velveeta cheese |
| Ingredients | Milk, Cream, Water, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Cheese Culture, Sorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Enzymes, Soy Lecithin, Colour Added |
| Nutritional Information | 9g fat per serving, 6g saturated fat per serving, 30mg cholesterol per serving, 380mg sodium per serving |
| Distribution | Monthly, in unsliced block form |
| Recipients | Welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, Elderly receiving Social Security, Food banks, Churches, Military kitchens, Schools |
| Storage | Over 150 warehouses across 35 states, "Missouri cheese caves" |
| History | Used during World War II, became widely distributed in the 1980s due to dairy surpluses |
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What You'll Learn
- Government cheese is a food item with a storied history, having been used in military kitchens during World War II and schools since the 1950s
- It is a symbol of comfort and stability for those who grew up in poverty during the 1980s
- The cheese was initially distributed to unload excess stockpiles, which were a byproduct of government subsidies to farmers and food producers
- The cheese is still provided to low-income senior citizens and distributed to victims of natural disasters
- Wahlburgers' use of government cheese is a nod to its comfort food status, with the chain marketing the product for at-home use
Government cheese is a food item with a storied history, having been used in military kitchens during World War II and schools since the 1950s
Government cheese has a long and complex history in the United States. Its story begins during World War II, when it was first used in military kitchens. After the war, the US federal government continued to maintain control over this food item until the early 1980s, using it as a strategic food reserve and distributing it to those in need. The cheese was a byproduct of dairy industry subsidies, which kept milk prices artificially high and stable, resulting in a surplus of dairy products. This surplus was converted into cheese, butter, and powdered milk, with the excess being stored in warehouses across multiple states.
During the 1950s, government cheese started to be used in schools, and it became an important part of the diets of many Americans, especially those from low-income backgrounds. For some, it was a source of comfort and stability during difficult times. However, it was also a source of humiliation, as it was associated with poverty and government welfare programs. Despite these complex emotions, government cheese was a cornerstone of survival for many families.
In the early 1980s, the US government found itself with massive stockpiles of dairy products due to continued price support programs and economic initiatives for farmers. To address this surplus, Congress passed the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, allowing the distribution of these dairy products to families in need. This led to the creation of the Special Dairy Distribution Program, which distributed approximately 30 million pounds of cheese to people struggling financially.
Government cheese, also known as "surplus cheese," was provided to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, and the elderly receiving Social Security. It was often distributed in brick-shaped cartons, with a distinctive orange colour. The cheese was described as "pasteurized process American cheese," made from a variety of cheeses, emulsifiers, and other ingredients, resulting in a meltable product. While some found it tasty, others had no strong feelings about its flavour.
Today, government cheese continues to evoke a range of emotions and has become a part of popular culture, referenced in songs and jokes. It represents a time of hardship for some, while also highlighting the government's efforts to support its citizens during challenging periods. Wahlburgers, a burger chain owned by entertainers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, proudly features government cheese on their cheeseburgers, embracing its unique place in American history and the comfort it brings to those who grew up with it.
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It is a symbol of comfort and stability for those who grew up in poverty during the 1980s
Government cheese, also known as "welfare cheese", is a term that refers to the pasteurized processed American 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. This cheese was a staple for those who grew up in poverty during the 1980s, when the US government had a surplus of dairy products due to price support programs and economic initiatives aimed at helping farmers and food producers.
For those who grew up in poverty during the 1980s, government cheese was a symbol of comfort and stability. It provided a sense of autonomy and power over their daily survival, with its versatility offering a sense of choice within limited menus. The cheese was a constant source of sustenance during times of upheaval and hunger. While it may also have been associated with shame and humiliation, it nonetheless provided critical nourishment and a sense of familiarity.
The distribution of government cheese during the 1980s was a result of the US government's efforts to manage its dairy surplus. In the early 1980s, various price-support programs and economic initiatives led to a significant excess of dairy products, particularly cheese. To address this surplus, Congress passed the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, which authorized the US Department of Agriculture to develop programs to distribute these dairy products to families in need. President Reagan also announced the Special Dairy Distribution Program, which oversaw the distribution of approximately 30 million pounds of cheese to those struggling financially.
The cheese was provided in brick-shaped blocks, with generic product labeling and packaging, and was known for its distinctive orange color. It had a smooth and flavorful taste, melting well and slicing easily. Despite its reputation as a staple for those in poverty, government cheese was also provided to various other groups, including the military during World War II and in schools since the 1950s.
The Wahlburgers burger chain, owned by entertainers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, proudly serves government cheese on their cheeseburgers. This choice of cheese is a nod to their childhood experiences, where it provided comfort and sustenance. The use of government cheese in their restaurants symbolizes the importance of this food item in their personal histories and its role in providing a sense of stability during challenging times.
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The cheese was initially distributed to unload excess stockpiles, which were a byproduct of government subsidies to farmers and food producers
Government cheese, also known as "surplus cheese", was initially distributed to unload excess stockpiles, which were a byproduct of government subsidies to farmers and food producers. In the early 1980s, the US government had amassed large stockpiles of dairy products due to price-support programs and economic initiatives aimed at supporting farmers and food producers. This resulted in a surplus of cheese, butter, and powdered milk that needed to be disposed of.
The excess dairy products were stored in warehouses across multiple states, creating a significant federal food reserve. Recognizing the need to manage this surplus, Congress passed the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, authorizing the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop programs to distribute these dairy products to families in need. This act led to the creation of the Special Dairy Distribution Program (SDDP), which oversaw the distribution of approximately 30 million pounds of cheese to low-income households.
The cheese was provided in large, brick-shaped blocks, with generic packaging and labeling. It became known for its distinctive Dayglo orange colour and was often described as "pasteurized process American cheese". The taste of government cheese varied, with some comparing it to mild cheddar or Velveeta cheese. While some individuals have fond memories of the taste, others associate it with a sense of humiliation.
The Wahlburgers burger chain, owned by entertainers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, proudly serves government cheese on their cheeseburgers. For some, government cheese holds a nostalgic value, reminding them of their childhood and providing a sense of comfort and stability during difficult times. It has become a symbol of survival and resilience for those who relied on it as a staple food item.
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The cheese is still provided to low-income senior citizens and distributed to victims of natural disasters
Government cheese is a well-known concept in American culture, often referenced in jokes and song lyrics. However, for those who relied on it, it holds a different meaning, representing a cornerstone of survival and a source of complicated emotions.
The term "government cheese" refers to pasteurized processed American cheese provided by the government to low-income individuals and families as part of welfare programs. This practice has a long history in the United States, dating back to World War II when similar cheese was used in military kitchens. In the 1980s, the government cheese program gained prominence as a way to address massive dairy surpluses resulting from price support programs and economic initiatives for farmers. The Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 allowed the distribution of these dairy products to families in need, and the Special Dairy Distribution Program oversaw the allocation of millions of pounds of cheese.
Today, government cheese is still provided to low-income senior citizens as part of food assistance programs. As part of the USDA Food Nutrition Service Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), eligible seniors over 60 receive a monthly allocation of processed cheese food. This program ensures that those in need have access to a source of nutrition and supports their well-being.
Additionally, government cheese continues to play a role in disaster relief efforts. When states of emergency are declared following natural disasters, government cheese is distributed to victims as a form of temporary food assistance. This aspect of the program highlights its ongoing relevance and adaptability to different situations.
The cheese itself, often described as brick-shaped blocks of orange cheese, carries a range of associations for those who grew up with it. Some view it as a source of shame, while others appreciate its role in providing sustenance and a sense of familiarity during difficult times. The Wahlburgers burger chain, owned by entertainers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, is known for proudly featuring government cheese, or "welfare cheese," on their cheeseburgers.
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Wahlburgers' use of government cheese is a nod to its comfort food status, with the chain marketing the product for at-home use
Government cheese has a long history in the United States, dating back to World War II. It is a processed cheese provided to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, food banks, churches, and the elderly receiving Social Security. In the 1980s, it became a symbol of both sustenance and humiliation for low-income families who relied on it. The cheese was often from food surpluses stockpiled by the government to maintain artificially high milk prices and support farmers.
The Wahlburgers burger chain, owned by entertainers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, uses government cheese on their cheeseburgers. They market this cheese as "Government Cheese" or "welfare cheese," leaning into its nostalgic and comforting associations for many Americans who grew up eating it. The Wahlbergs have embraced the cheese's comfort food status, offering it as a topping for their burgers and marketing it for at-home use.
Government cheese has been described as a cornerstone of survival and a source of complicated nostalgia for those who relied on it during their childhood. It provided a sense of autonomy and power over one's daily survival, with its versatility allowing for various meal options. This sentiment is reflected in Wahlburgers' adoption of the cheese, positioning it as a familiar and comforting food item.
The chain's use of government cheese is a strategic marketing move, tapping into the emotions and memories associated with the product. By offering it as a topping and making it available for at-home use, Wahlburgers evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort among its customers who have a history with the cheese. This marketing strategy aligns with the mixed feelings of shame, reverence, and comfort that the cheese evokes for many Americans.
The Wahlburgers chain embraces the complex history of government cheese, acknowledging its role in providing sustenance and comfort to low-income families while also recognizing the humiliation associated with it. By marketing their use of government cheese, Wahlburgers taps into a range of emotions and experiences, creating a unique connection with their target audience.
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Frequently asked questions
The owners of the Wahlburgers burger chain, Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, grew up poor and relied on government cheese as a staple food. The cheese holds a significant nostalgic value for them, and they continue to use it in their restaurants.
Government cheese is 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 and churches and during disaster relief efforts.
In the early 1980s, the US government had massive stockpiles of dairy products due to price support programs and economic initiatives for farmers. To dispose of the excess cheese, Congress passed the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, allowing the distribution of dairy products to families in need.
Government cheese, or "pasteurized process American cheese," is produced from a variety of cheeses, including Cheddar, Colby, cheese curd, or granular cheese. It is made meltable using emulsifiers and blended with other specified ingredients.
Opinions on the taste of government cheese vary. Some people find it tasty, while others associate it with shame and humiliation due to its association with poverty. The flavor has been compared to mild cheddar or Velveeta cheese, depending on the ingredients used.
