Government Cheese Conspiracy Theory

Overview

• Conspiracy theory dates back to the 1970s involving secret government cheese tunnels
• Involves manipulation of advertisements and education systems for government profit
• Foundational years include government actions starting in the Great Depression and changes in the late 20th century

Background

The Great Depression (1933)

• FDR's New Deal created the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)
• CCC managed important US markets, including dairy
• 1948: CCC became a wholly federal entity under the Department of Agriculture

Creation of Cheese Surplus

• 1949: CCC started buying excess dairy from farmers to stabilize market prices
• 1973: Energy crisis increased dairy prices by 30%
• 1977: Jimmy Carter poured $2 billion into the dairy industry, promising to buy any excess dairy
• Milk surplus transformed into storable cheese, creating a massive cheese stockpile
• Cheese stored in facilities like Kansas City’s underground limestone cave

Cheese Stockpile Crisis

• By 1980, the government held ~500 million pounds of cheese
• December 1981: Public awareness raised by Secretary of Agriculture showing moldy cheese at the White House
• Ronald Reagan committed to incorporating this cheese into welfare programs
• Initiation of the Government Cheese program

Continued Market Manipulation

Commodity Checkoff Programs

• Initiated to promote commodities like dairy without advertising specific brands
• 1983: Dairy Promotion Program began
• 1995: Became a mandatory tax under the Clinton Administration

Creation of Dairy Management Incorporated (DMI)

• 1995: Established to market dairy products broadly
• Known for the 'Got Milk?' campaign and other marketing strategies

Influence on Public Consumption

• DMI worked with fast food chains to increase cheese usage
• 'Stuffed Crust Pizza' at Pizza Hut and cheese-heavy items at McDonald's, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell
• DMI also funded advertising for chains like Domino's after the 2010 recession
• Shift in education and advertising to promote dairy consumption: milk in schools, health classes, and public campaigns

Health Implications

• Rise in cheese consumption linked to obesity and high cholesterol
• 1970s: Average American consumed 7-8 pounds of cheese per year
• Modern Day: Average American consumes ~41 pounds of cheese per year

Current Situation

• Cheese stockpile now managed by USDA, with around 1.4 billion pounds of cheese
• The USDA’s involvement in selling cheese while also managing dietary guidelines poses a conflict of interest

Final Thoughts

• The conspiracy reveals how government and market manipulations can have far-reaching effects on consumer behavior
• Reflects broader concerns about health, economic stability, and trust in government initiatives