France has expanded its €1 meal program to all university students, regardless of income, in a bid to alleviate financial hardship. Previously, the subsidized rate for a three-course meal was available only to students receiving financial aid or with low incomes; others paid the standard €3.30. Student unions had long advocated for this extension.
Student Relief
Alexandre Ioannides, an 18-year-old student in Paris, said the measure will drastically reduce his monthly canteen expenses. "I come here 20 times a month. That's about €60. Whereas now, I'll pay €20," he noted, adding that the savings would go towards "going out or eating at a restaurant."
Addressing Food Insecurity
The policy responds to a January survey by a student union organization, which found that 48% of students had gone without food for financial reasons, and 23% did so several times a month. In 2024, about 667,000 students benefited from the €1 lunch scheme, a 5.3% increase from the previous year, with 46.7 million meals served at discounted and standard rates, according to Crous, the university restaurant operator.
Government Commitment
The government anticipates rising demand. Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste has pledged €120 million in 2027 to support the program. "It is a small internal revolution," Baptiste said, promising to oversee the initiative to prevent excessive workload for canteen staff or a decline in food quality.
