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The measure adopted by France aims to alleviate the financial difficulties of students, regardless of their income. It has been in effect since Monday.
Student unions have been pushing for the one euro fee for a meal (a reduction from the usual 3.30) to be extended to all students, something that was only available to low-income students or those receiving financial support.
According to , a survey carried out by a student union organization revealed that almost 48% of students had gone without eating for financial and 23% they did it several times a month.
Now, all people who hold a student card or a professional training card, doctoral students and civic service providers have access to this measure. Furthermore, they must have an active account to prove their status.
This includes for a main course and, at most, two side dishes (starter, dessert or fruit), indicated the direction of the CROSS (Regional Centers for University and School Actions in France).
The service will only be offered once per meal and is also available for dinner in university canteens open at that time.
In 2024, around 667 thousand students benefited from the one-euro lunch program, an increase of 5.3% compared to the previous year, with around 46.7 million meals served at both standard and discounted rates, according to the Crous.
The French government is preparing for an increase in demand for these canteens, with the Minister of Higher Education, Philippe Baptistea prometer 120 million euros in 2027 to support the program.
“It’s a small revolution“, said the minister, who promised to supervise the program to ensure that it does not lead to an excessive workload for canteen workers or a decrease in the quality of food.
