The Decline of Government Cheese
Changes in Food Assistance Programs
In the late 1990s, the landscape of food assistance programs changed. As the welfare system expanded, the distribution of government-provided cheese decreased. Political changes and the introduction of food stamps gave families greater flexibility in their food choices, reducing their reliance on government-provided cheese.
The Impact of Health Trends
Furthermore, Americans’ growing health awareness has led to a decline in processed food consumption. As dietary preferences shifted toward fresh, wholesome products, demand for cheese from state farms declined. By the early 21st century, the iconic cheese blocks were largely a thing of the past.
