France offers all university students one-euro meals at canteens
French university canteens have started providing one-euro meals to all students, regardless of their income. The initiative comes after student unions advocated for expanding the low-cost meal option, which was previously limited to those with financial need. Alexandre Ioannides, a student in Paris, shared how the new policy will significantly reduce his monthly food expenses. The measure is intended to ease financial pressure on students across France.
What we know
- University canteens in France now offer one-euro, three-course meals to all students, not just those with low incomes.
- The previous price for a meal was 3.30 euros, and the new policy was introduced following student union campaigns.
- Alexandre Ioannides said the change will cut his monthly canteen costs from 60 euros to 20 euros.
- A student union survey found that 48 percent of students have skipped meals for financial reasons.
- Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste has pledged to support the scheme and ensure food quality and staff workload are maintained.
