France Expands Cheap Meal Support for Students
French universities are now offering €1 meals to all students, extending a discounted dining program previously reserved for low-income students and those receiving financial aid. The move is aimed at easing growing financial pressure on young people as living costs continue to rise across the country.
Under the scheme, students can buy a three-course meal at university canteens for just €1 instead of the standard €3.30.
For many students, the savings are significant. Alexandre Ioannides, an 18-year-old student in Paris, said he usually spends around €60 a month eating at the university cafeteria. With the new pricing, that cost will drop to about €20, freeing up money for social activities and occasional restaurant visits.
The policy follows mounting concern over student poverty in France. A January survey conducted by a student union group found that nearly half of students had skipped meals because they could not afford food, while almost one in four said this happened several times each month.
The discounted meal initiative has already seen strong uptake. In 2024, around 667,000 students used the program, marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year. France’s university dining network, Crous, served roughly 46.7 million meals across both the discounted and regular pricing systems.
Expecting demand to grow further, the French government has pledged additional financial support. Higher education minister Philippe Baptiste announced plans to allocate €120 million in 2027 to help sustain and expand the scheme.
