Government Cheese: An Enduring Riddle of US Food Assistance

As of 2022, the USDA Food Nutrition Service Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) continues to provide processed cheese to eligible seniors over the age of 60. Each month, these recipients receive a 32-ounce (910g) block of processed cheese distributed by participating dairies. However, current recipients typically receive a cheese variant similar to Kraft or Velvetta, which, while not everyone's first choice, is both reasonably tasty and long-lasting.

For those who remember the past, there was a time when larger, 10-pound wheels of cheddar cheese were distributed, but that practice no longer continues under current government contracts.

Availability and Usage

While government cheese can still be found, it often serves as a filler ingredient in various recipes. The vast stockpiles of cheese have led to a surplus, as subsidies for dairy production continue to rise, and milk demand is declining due to alternatives like oat and soy milk. This evolving market has resulted in a cheese surplus that shows no signs of disappearing, making it a classic example of a seemingly intractable problem.

Historical Context and Current Trends

Government cheese programs were historically more prevalent as part of broader food assistance initiatives. Although specific programs may vary by country and region, such initiatives are now less common. It is always advisable to check with local social service agencies or food assistance programs to inquire about current offerings and alternatives.

Reflections on US Food Policy

Critics often point out the paradox of a country that has socialised cheese but refuses to consider socialised health care. The US is estimated to have around 1.5 billion pounds of cheese in storage, and the US government reportedly buys one out of every three gallons of milk produced. This is a striking example of a food policy that is often at odds with societal needs and realities.

The subsidies for dairy production are funded by "free peech," a term that critics use to highlight the influence of large agricultural (Ag) businesses on government policies. The result is a system that, while ostensibly supporting a free market, is often seen as fundamentally flawed.

Government Programs and Criticisms

While government cheese programs continue, other governmental initiatives are often criticized for their perceived inefficacy. Government housing, for instance, typically falls short of expectations, and people frequently express dismay at the quality and standards. Similarly, the quality and safety of government day care centers are also questionable, with many worried about potential issues such as bullying and trauma among children.

There are countless stories and cases of children being severely traumatized or even killed as a result of their experiences in public school systems. Unfortunately, these incidents are not uncommon and serve as stark reminders of the operational and systemic issues within these institutions.

Overall, while government cheese remains a tangible and albeit unusual symbol of public assistance, the broader question of how effectively and equitably these policies and programs function is a topic of ongoing debate and critique within the United States.