The French government has expanded access to €1 meals for all university students, aiming to address widespread food insecurity among the country’s estimated 3 million higher education students. Previously limited to students receiving financial aid, the initiative now allows any student to purchase a nutritious, balanced three-course meal at university restaurants and cafes for just €1, up to twice daily.
Why this matters
A recent survey revealed that nearly half of French students were skipping meals due to financial constraints, with a quarter doing so regularly. By making affordable meals universally available, the government seeks to improve students’ nutrition, support their well-being, and promote social equity. The program also addresses public health concerns related to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles among young people.
Key developments
- From this month, all students in higher education can buy €1 meals at university restaurants and cafes, regardless of financial aid status.
- Meals include a starter, a choice of vegetarian, meat, or fish main course with sides, and a dessert such as fruit, yoghurt, cheese, or pastry.
- Additional dishes cost 55 cents, and coffee is available for 60 cents.
- The meals are prepared mostly in-house using locally sourced and often organic ingredients.
- The program is supported by the National Centre for University and School Services (CNOUS), which operates 950 university restaurants and cafeterias across France.
- The government has allocated €120 million to fund the initiative for the coming year.
- CNOUS is recruiting additional staff and investing in equipment to meet increased demand.
Student and staff perspectives
At Université Paris Dauphine, students praised the variety and quality of the meals, with many eating there daily and appreciating the balanced menus. Chef Farid Rouba emphasized the importance of feeding students well as they represent the future of France. Diane Chelkoff, director of the Dauphine restaurant, highlighted that students can have two balanced meals a day, either dining in or taking food away.
Students from various universities expressed that the €1 meals provide significant financial relief, especially for those not receiving scholarships. Some noted that while the meals are basic, the low price ensures everyone can eat properly. A few students suggested that the subsidy might be better spent on other needs, such as affordable housing.
University staff also acknowledged the benefits of the program. A history professor dining with students at the Sorbonne described her meal, priced at the standard non-student rate, as “surprisingly good.”
Background
Before this change, only about a quarter of students—those with low incomes or receiving financial aid for housing and fees—were eligible for €1 meals. Other students paid €3.30 per meal, a price that had not increased for five years. Student unions campaigned for universal access after the survey highlighted the extent of food insecurity among students.
Bénédicte Durand, president of CNOUS, stated that the program is an investment in students’ health and social inclusion, ensuring all students can share the same meal regardless of financial status. She acknowledged that universal access is unusual in a system that typically means-tests social benefits but defended the approach as necessary for public health and social cohesion.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
