Government cheese

Government cheese is a term that refers to processed cheese provided to welfare beneficiaries, food stamp recipients and the elderly receiving Social Security in the United States. The cheese was bought and stored by the government's Commodity Credit Corporation.

History

The term "government cheese" is derived from the practice of the U.S. federal government providing blocks of commodity cheese to welfare recipients in the 1930s during the Great Depression. The government purchased dairy products from producers who were struggling with surplus stock, in an effort to stabilize prices and support the dairy industry.

Description

Government cheese is a processed cheese product that is provided in large blocks. The cheese is typically orange in color and has a mild flavor. It is often compared to American cheese, but it is more dense and less creamy. The cheese is typically distributed in a plain blue or white box.

Distribution

The distribution of government cheese was controlled by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The cheese was distributed to low-income individuals and families through the Food Stamp Program and other federal nutrition programs. It was also provided to schools for use in school lunches.

Criticism and Legacy

The distribution of government cheese has been criticized for contributing to the obesity epidemic in the United States, as the cheese is high in fat and sodium. However, it has also been praised for providing a source of protein and calcium to individuals and families who may not otherwise be able to afford these nutrients.

The term "government cheese" has also become a cultural symbol and is often used in popular culture to represent government assistance or poverty.

See also

• Food assistance in the United States
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program