University canteens in Paris offer meals for 1 euro for all students, after a survey showed that nearly half of young people are facing food shortages.

Paris has decided to extend a 1 euro meal scheme, initially reserved for low-income students, to all students, in response to a food security crisis. According to a survey, 48% of students reported food shortages due to financial issues, and 23% face this situation frequently.

The measure was obtained through pressure from student unions and comes in the context of increased demand for meals at reduced prices. In 2024, approximately 667,000 students benefited from the reduced rate, and the total number of meals served exceeded 46.7 million. The Minister of Higher Education, Philippe Batiste, promised 120 million euros by 2027 to support the program and will monitor its implementation to prevent overburdening the staff in cafeterias. The initiative could serve as a model for other European countries facing similar food insecurity issues.