In food history, few things evoke more nostalgia than long, rectangular blocks of processed cheese, colloquially known as “government cheese.” Popular in the late 20th century, and especially in the 1980s and 1990s, government cheese has a unique history, intertwined with socioeconomic factors, government subsidy programs, and American culinary culture. This article examines the origins, uses, and enduring legacy of this iconic cheese.

The Origins of Government Cheese
The History of Cheese Distribution
The idea of distributing cheese as part of government assistance dates back to the 1930s, during the Great Depression. Faced with economic hardship and overproduction of milk, the US government sought ways to support agriculture while also helping low-income families. The solution was to purchase surplus dairy products, including cheese, and distribute them through social programs.

The 1970s and the Invention of Government Cheese
Government cheese, as we know it today, emerged in the 1970s. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated a program to purchase surplus cheese to stabilize prices and allow dairy farmers to continue their operations. This cheese was packaged and distributed to food banks, low-income households, and various social programs across the country.

This cheese was typically a processed product, often made from cheddar or a blend of cheeses, and was characterized by a distinctive yellow color and a long shelf life. It was individually packaged in large blocks for ease of distribution and consumption.