"1,700 Won per Meal"... France Expands '1 Euro Campus Meal' to All University Students

As the burden of food expenses among university students has emerged as a social issue in France, the government has significantly broadened eligibility for campus cafeteria support. With survey results showing that a considerable number of students are skipping meals for economic reasons, the existing "1 euro meal" program, previously targeted at low-income students, has now been expanded to include all students.

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According to AFP and other sources on May 5 (local time), French university cafeterias are now offering a three-course meal for 1 euro (approximately 1,700 won), down from the previous price of 3.30 euros (about 5,700 won). Until now, the 1 euro meal was only available to low-income students or those receiving financial aid, but student groups had consistently called for the program to be extended to all students.

This measure is expected to significantly reduce students' food expenses. Alexandre Ioannides, an 18-year-old student living in Paris, said, "I come here about 20 times a month. Until now, it cost me around 60 euros, but now I only have to pay 20 euros." He added that he could spend the money he saves on outings or eating out.

The financial burden of living expenses for students in France has been a long-standing concern. In a survey conducted by a student group in January, 48% of respondents said they had skipped meals for financial reasons. Among them, 23% reported skipping meals multiple times a month.

According to Crous, the organization that operates university cafeterias, about 667,000 students benefited from the 1 euro meal program last year, up 5.3% from the previous year. The total number of meals served at discounted and regular prices reached approximately 46.7 million.

The French government anticipates that demand will continue to rise as the program expands and is preparing additional budget support. Philippe Baptiste, Minister of Higher Education, announced that 102 million euros (about 20.68 billion won) would be invested to sustain the program through 2027.

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