health
Feeding the future of France: Rollout of €1 meals an attempt to help struggling students
It’s a thumbs up from the country’s 3 million students, who can now buy cheap meals up to twice a day
TL;DR
- France is extending its €1 meal program to all university students, previously only available to those with scholarships.
- The decision comes after a survey indicated that almost half of students were skipping meals due to financial constraints.
- University restaurants offer varied and balanced three-course meals, including starter, main course, and dessert, made with locally sourced products.
- The initiative is seen as a public health measure to ensure students eat well, contributing to their future and addressing issues like sedentary lifestyles and obesity.
- The government has pledged €120 million to fund the program, which operates in 950 university restaurants and cafeterias run by CNOUS.
- While widely welcomed, some students suggest the subsidized funds could be better allocated to other areas like accommodation.