1 euro meals at all French universities: a revolutionary measure to support students

On May 4, a new feature designed to make a real difference to university life came into force in France: all students can now have a full meal in a university restaurant (RU) for just 1 euro, regardless of their income.

This represents a major change compared to the previous system, when this preferential rate was reserved only for students on grants or in precarious situations. The meal, served in Crous-run restaurants, includes a starter, main course and dessert. Until a few days ago, students paid around 3.30 euros. According to Libération, this change is the result of constant pressure from student associations, who took this demand all the way to Parliament to get the measure extended to all students.

Students in increasing difficulty

This decision was prompted by an observation that is hard to ignore. In France, according to several surveys, almost 50% of students have already skipped at least one meal for financial reasons, and more than a third do so regularly every month. These figures illustrate growing food insecurity, now recognized as a structural problem. According to Eurostat, the phenomenon is far from isolated: across Europe, some 24% of young people aged 15 to 29 are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Against this backdrop, guaranteeing access to a balanced meal is becoming as much a political priority as a social one.

Costs, funding and organization

Behind the symbolic price of 1 euro lies a far more complex reality. The actual cost of each meal is estimated at between 8 and 9 euros, with a large part of the cost covered by the State. To support the scheme, the government has released 50 million euros, with further investment planned over the next few years. Some 800 university canteens are involved nationwide, with over 7,500 employees. At least 204 new full-time positions will be created to cope with the expected rise in student numbers. However, unions and associations fear that these resources will be insufficient in the long term.

A "small revolution" under scrutiny

The Minister of Higher Education, Philippe Baptiste - who has pledged 120 million euros in 2027 to support the program - has described the measure as a "small revolution", insisting on the desire to maintain high catering quality despite falling prices. The aim is to prevent the influx of new users from overloading facilities and staff.

In 2025, French university restaurants served over 44 million meals, a figure set to grow rapidly. The success of the initiative will depend precisely on the system's ability to absorb this increase without degrading service. The goal is clear: to turn the right to study into something more concrete, starting with a daily gesture such as lunch.