France Introduces One-Euro Meals for University Students

France has launched a one-euro meal initiative for university students, aimed at addressing financial hardships. The program allows students to purchase a three-course meal for just one euro, down from the usual price of €3.30.

This measure is designed to alleviate the financial strain on students, with a survey indicating that 48% of students have gone without food for financial reasons. The initiative is expected to benefit around 667,000 students, significantly reducing their monthly canteen expenses from €60 to €20.

Philippe Baptiste, the Minister of Higher Education, has pledged €120 million to support the scheme until 2027, ensuring that it does not lead to excessive workloads for canteen staff or a decline in food quality. The program is part of broader efforts to support students amid rising living costs, with a 5.3% increase in meals served compared to the previous year.