French university canteens began offering one-euro meals to all students regardless of income on Monday, in a measure designed to address financial hardship.
The move follows a push by student unions to extend the one-euro rate ($1.17) for a three-course meal to all students, down from the usual 3.30 euros.
The price, which covers a starter, main course and dessert, was previously only available to those with low incomes or receiving financial aid.
For Alexandre Ioannides, an 18-year-old student in Paris, the measure will slash his monthly canteen expenses.
“I come here 20 times a month. That’s about 60 euros. Whereas now, I’ll pay 20 euros,” he said, adding the savings would go towards “going out or eating at a restaurant”.
The policy aims to alleviate financial strain for students in France, where a January survey by a student union organisation found 48 percent have gone without food for financial reasons and 23 percent do so several times a month.
Around 667,000 students benefited from the one-euro lunch scheme in 2024, a 5.3-percent increase from the previous year, with around 46.7 million meals served at both the discounted and standard 3.30-euro rates, according to university restaurant operator Crous.
Authorities are preparing for a rise in demand, with Higher Education Minister Philippe Batiste promising 120 million euros in 2027 to back the scheme.
“It is a small internal revolution,” said Batiste, who pledged to oversee the programme to ensure it does not lead to an excessive workload for canteen staff or a decline in food quality.
AFP
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]