Where Do You Get Government Cheese? Unpacking the American Cheese Distribution Program
The simple answer is, you can’t get “government cheese” in the same way as in the past because the direct distribution programs are largely discontinued. Modern food assistance primarily relies on programs like SNAP.
A Brief History of the American Cheese Distribution Program
The term “government cheese” evokes a potent image in American history: blocks of processed cheese distributed to low-income families. To understand where it came from (and why you can’t get it today), we need to delve into the agricultural policies of the 1980s. The program was a direct response to massive dairy surpluses accumulating in government warehouses due to price support programs. These programs aimed to stabilize the dairy industry, ensuring farmers received a fair price for their milk. However, they often led to overproduction, leaving the government with tons of unsold cheese.
The Purpose of the Cheese Giveaways
The government’s goal was twofold: reduce the cheese surplus and provide nutritional assistance to those in need. The program aimed to:
- Reduce dairy surplus: By purchasing and distributing the excess cheese, the government hoped to alleviate the pressure on the market and stabilize prices.
- Provide nutritional support: The cheese served as a valuable source of protein and calories for low-income families.
- Avoid waste: Distributing the cheese prevented it from spoiling and becoming a complete loss.
The program was formally known as the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), but the “government cheese” moniker stuck due to the prominent role cheese played in the distributions.
What Kind of Cheese Was It?
The “government cheese” wasn’t gourmet. It was typically processed American cheese, often high in fat and sodium. However, it was affordable to produce in large quantities and durable enough to withstand storage and distribution. It came in large blocks, often weighing several pounds, and was distributed through local food banks and charities.
The Decline and End of Direct Distribution
While the cheese giveaways addressed the immediate surplus problem, they weren’t a long-term solution. Over time, changes in agricultural policy and the rise of other food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) led to the decline of direct cheese distribution.
- Shifting Agricultural Policies: Policies shifted towards managing supply through mechanisms other than direct government purchase, reducing surpluses.
- Rise of SNAP: SNAP provided a more flexible and efficient way for low-income families to access food, allowing them to choose their own groceries rather than relying on specific government-issued commodities.
- TEFAP Evolution: TEFAP shifted its focus to distributing a wider range of commodities, not just cheese.
Where Does Food Assistance Come From Today?
Modern food assistance programs are much more diverse than simply giving away cheese. They encompass a range of initiatives, including:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): This is the largest food assistance program, providing electronic benefits that can be used to purchase groceries at authorized retailers.
- TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program): TEFAP continues to operate, providing food to food banks and other emergency feeding organizations. These organizations then distribute the food to individuals and families in need.
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): This program provides nutritional assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
- School Lunch and Breakfast Programs: These programs provide free or reduced-price meals to students in need.
Is “Government Cheese” Still Around?
While direct distributions of blocks of government cheese are largely a thing of the past, TEFAP still distributes food commodities, and cheese can be included in that food. However, it’s not the same ubiquitous block of processed cheese that defined the 1980s. Food banks and charities receive a variety of food items, allowing them to tailor their offerings to the needs of their clients.
| Program | Type of Assistance | Target Population | Cheese Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Electronic Benefits (EBT) | Low-income individuals and families | Purchased directly |
| TEFAP | Commodity distribution to food banks | Individuals and families in need, served by food banks | Possible inclusion |
| WIC | Nutritional assistance packages | Pregnant women, new mothers, and young children | Limited inclusion |
| School Lunch & Breakfast | Free/reduced-price meals at school | Students from low-income families | Possible inclusion |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did the government start giving away cheese in the first place?
The primary reason for the cheese giveaways was the massive surplus of dairy products that had accumulated due to federal price support programs. The government needed a way to reduce the surplus and avoid the waste of large quantities of cheese.
Was “government cheese” really that bad?
Opinions vary. Many people who received it were grateful for the source of protein and calories. However, it was processed cheese, generally considered lower quality than natural cheeses and often high in sodium and fat.
How often did people receive “government cheese”?
The frequency of distribution varied depending on the location and the availability of cheese. Some families received it regularly, while others only received it sporadically. It was a supplemental food source, not a complete replacement for other food.
Can I still get “government cheese” today?
While the direct distribution programs are largely discontinued, cheese may still be distributed through TEFAP via local food banks. Contact your local food bank to inquire about available resources.
Is SNAP the same thing as “food stamps”?
Yes, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the modern version of the food stamp program. The name changed, and benefits are now delivered electronically via EBT cards.
How do I qualify for SNAP benefits?
Eligibility for SNAP benefits is determined by income and household size. You’ll need to apply through your state’s social services agency. They will assess your eligibility based on their specific guidelines.
What kind of food can I buy with SNAP benefits?
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase most food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and cereals. However, they cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or hot prepared foods.
Where can I find a local food bank?
You can find a local food bank by searching online using search terms like “food bank near me” or by visiting the website of Feeding America, a national organization of food banks.
What other resources are available for people struggling with food insecurity?
In addition to SNAP and food banks, there are other resources available, such as WIC for women, infants, and children, school lunch and breakfast programs, and local charities that provide food assistance.
How can I help address food insecurity in my community?
You can help by donating food or money to your local food bank, volunteering your time at a food pantry, or advocating for policies that address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.
Is TEFAP still operating?
Yes, TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) continues to operate, providing food to food banks and other emergency feeding organizations. It is an important part of the safety net for people experiencing food insecurity.
What happened to the surplus cheese?
Much of the cheese was distributed through the programs described above. The rest was eventually sold commercially or used for other purposes. The surplus issue itself has been largely addressed by changes in dairy policy.