History of Government cheese in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 16, 2025

Government cheese refers to processed cheese distributed by the U.S. government to various recipients, including welfare beneficiaries, food stamp recipients, the elderly on Social Security, food banks, and churches. Its use dates back to World War II in military kitchens and continued in schools from the 1950s onward. It represents a form of surplus commodity distribution aimed at supporting both the agricultural industry and providing aid to those in need. The cheese became a notable symbol of government assistance programs and economic conditions in the United States.

1980: Congressional Vote on the Bill

In 1980, The bill narrowly passed the Democratic-controlled House by a count of 205 for and 203 against. It passed much more easily in the Senate, where Republicans had gained control following the 1980 elections, with 68 votes for and 32 against.

December 22, 1981: Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 authorized

On December 22, 1981, President Reagan signed the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 into law, which authorized the release of 560 million pounds of cheese stockpiled by the Commodity Credit Corporation to be distributed to the needy.

1981: Cheese Inventory Distribution

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan stated that the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 would help slow the rise in price support levels, but that cheese surpluses would continue to accumulate and that more distributions of the cheese inventory of the Commodity Credit Corporation may be necessary.

1981: Federal Cheese Stockpile

In 1981, at the time of Ronald Reagan's signing of the Agriculture and Food Act, the Federal cheese stockpile equaled more than 2 lb per capita in the U.S. Government cheese was provided through the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program at no cost. California received the first shipment of 3,000,000 lb.

1982: Direct distribution of dairy products

In 1982, direct distribution of dairy products began under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program of the Food and Nutrition Service.

1985: Food Security Act of 1985

In 1985, the Food Security Act of 1985 (the 1985 farm bill) attempted to reduce milk production but has been labeled as a "hodgepodge of misdirected political compromise."

1988: Obesity Rate Among the Poor

In 1988, it was observed that people in poverty, such as those entitled to government cheese, are more likely to become obese. Between 1988 and 1994, people below the poverty line had an obesity rate of 29.2 percent.

1994: Obesity Rate Among the Poor

By 1994, it was observed that people in poverty, such as those entitled to government cheese, are more likely to become obese. Between 1988 and 1994, people below the poverty line had an obesity rate of 29.2 percent.

August 23, 2016: USDA Purchase of Cheese

On August 23, 2016, the US Department of Agriculture announced plans to purchase approximately eleven million pounds of cheese, valued at $20 million, to aid food banks and pantries and to reduce a large cheese surplus and stabilize farm prices.

2018: CSFP Cheese Distribution Levels

Since 2018, eligible seniors over the age of 60 have been provided one 32-ounce block of processed cheese food each month as part of the USDA Food Nutrition Service Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

2022: CSFP Cheese Distribution

As of 2022, eligible seniors over the age of 60 are provided one 32-ounce block of processed cheese food each month as part of the USDA Food Nutrition Service Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

2022: Erroneous Article Circulated

In 2022, an erroneous article by Modern Farmer began circulating on social media, implying that all of the USDA's 1.5 billion pounds of cheese were stored in caves near Springfield, Missouri.