Friday, September 24, 2026 - France’s decision to make university meals available to all students for just €1 is drawing huge demand — and putting canteens under growing strain.
Since the nationwide rollout began on May 4, Crous restaurants have served millions of subsidized meals, with the network reporting that 5.49 million €1 meals had been served by late August. The meal normally costs €3.30 for students, while its average real cost is about €8, with the state covering the difference.
The surge is now being felt on the ground. Students in Paris are facing longer queues, overcrowded dining halls and difficulties fitting meals into short breaks between classes.
Crous reported that the number of meals served rose 22% in the spring, while staff unions have raised concerns about understaffing and working conditions. The government had authorized 204 additional positions and provided €50 million in extra funding for 2026, but pressure has intensified as the new academic year begins.
The immediate challenge is turning an affordable meal into a service students can actually access quickly. The government has announced a larger €143 million budget for 2027 to help compensate Crous for the lower meal price, improve equipment and facilities, and recruit staff where needed.
With demand continuing to test capacity, France now faces a practical question: how quickly can its university food network expand enough to keep the €1 promise without leaving students waiting in increasingly long lines?
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