In the realm of food history, few items evoke as much nostalgia as the long, rectangular blocks of processed cheese product known colloquially as “government cheese.” Popular in the late 20th century, especially during the 1980s and 1990s, government cheese has a unique story that intertwines with socioeconomic factors, government assistance programs, and American culinary culture. This article will delve into the origins, uses, and enduring legacy of this iconic cheese product.
The Origins of Government Cheese
The History of Cheese Distribution
The concept of distributing cheese as part of government assistance can be traced back to the 1930s during the Great Depression. As dairy farmers faced economic hardships and surplus milk production, the U.S. government sought ways to support the agricultural industry while also providing assistance to low-income families. The solution was to purchase excess dairy products, including cheese, and distribute them through welfare programs.
The 1970s and the Creation of Government Cheese
Government cheese as we know it began to emerge in the 1970s. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated a program that included the purchase of surplus cheese to stabilize prices and ensure that dairy farmers could continue to operate. This cheese was then packaged and distributed to food banks, low-income households, and various welfare programs across the country.
