Affordable Student Meals Reach More Young People

University students across France can now access €1 meals regardless of income, helping ease financial pressure and improve access to food.

“It is a small internal revolution,” said Philippe Baptiste, Higher Education Minister, who said he would oversee the programme to ensure food quality remains strong while supporting canteen staff as demand grows.

The expanded scheme opens discounted three-course meals to all students rather than limiting access to those receiving financial aid or on lower incomes. Around 667,000 students used the €1 programme in 2024, a 5.3% increase from the previous year, while university restaurants served a total of 46.7 million meals. The change follows findings that 48% of students had gone without food for financial reasons, with €120m planned in support by 2027 to help meet increasing demand.