U.S. Government’s 1.4 Billion Lbs of Cheese Stockpiled in “Cheese Cave” in Springfield, Missouri

In the depths of Missouri’s converted limestone mines, hundreds of feet below the surface lies a vast stockpile of American cheese. These “Cheese Caves” in Springfield, Missouri, are part of a larger phenomenon where the U.S. government currently stores an astonishing 1.4 billion pounds of surplus cheese. This situation has its roots in the national dairy shortage of the 1970s, leading to a series of governmental interventions that have shaped the dairy industry to this day.

During the 1970s, the U.S. faced a significant dairy shortage, accompanied by a 30% inflation in dairy products. In response, President Jimmy Carter, in 1977, injected two billion dollars into the dairy industry over four years, aiming to boost production and alleviate the crisis. This subsidy led to a dramatic increase in dairy production, with farmers incentivized to produce as much as possible, knowing the government would likely purchase any surplus. By the early 1980s, the government-owned over 500 million pounds of cheese, chosen for its longer shelf life compared to other dairy products.

The surplus led to President Ronald Reagan’s decision in 1981 to distribute government-owned cheese to the public through the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). This initiative, often referred to as “government cheese,” became a cultural symbol, referenced in songs by Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z, and even featured in a cooking segment with Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart.

Fast forward to 2019, and the U.S. government found itself with an even larger cheese surplus, now at 1.4 billion pounds. Factors such as trade disputes and a national decline in dairy consumption contributed to this situation. Despite decreasing demand, dairy production has continued to rise, with a 13% increase since 2010. In 2016, the dairy industry discarded 43 million gallons of milk, highlighting the scale of overproduction. Government support remains substantial, with 42% of U.S. dairy producers’ revenue in 2018 coming from government assistance.

The dairy lobby has played a significant role in securing federal support, primarily benefiting large dairy companies. This leaves smaller dairy farms struggling in a competitive market. Additionally, Dairy Management Inc., established in the 1990s, has been promoting increased dairy consumption through campaigns like “Got Milk?” despite health studies suggesting that regular dairy consumption is not particularly healthy, and a significant portion of the population, especially among minority groups, are lactose intolerant.

The current situation raises questions about the sustainability and health implications of such policies. The government’s role in subsidizing dairy production, maintaining cheese stockpiles, and promoting dairy consumption, especially in the face of environmental concerns and changing dietary habits, suggests a need for reevaluation. There may be more beneficial ways to utilize these funds, such as supporting smaller farms or encouraging a transition to crops that are in higher demand and environmentally sustainable. The focus should shift from asking “Got Milk?” to finding innovative solutions for using the existing cheese supply responsibly and sustainably.

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