€1 student meal deal sends canteen staff to barricades

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 23, 2026

University canteen staff across France held a one-day strike to protest increased workloads caused by a government-subsidized meal program that lowered student meal prices and sharply increased demand. Unions are demanding the hiring of 500 additional workers to address overcrowding and long wait times, warning of further strikes if staffing issues are not resolved despite government funding increases.

University canteen staff across France staged a one-day strike on Tuesday in response to increased workloads attributed to a government-subsidized meal program for students. The strike highlighted mounting frustrations over what union representatives described as “apocalyptic conditions” in university cafeterias, following a surge in demand for low-cost meals.

Since May, the French government has reduced the price of a three-course student meal from €3.30 to €1 for all 2.7 million university students, a subsidy previously limited to those receiving grants. This policy change led to a 22 percent increase in meals served at the nation’s 954 university canteens and cafeterias by the end of the last academic term. Unions contend that demand has risen even more sharply in the current term, although official data have not yet been released.

Students have reported significant delays in service, with wait times of up to 45 minutes and difficulties finding seating in overcrowded dining areas. Manuel Vincentot, who leads the university sector of the Force Ouvrière union in the Paris region, urged the government to address the strains on staff, many of whom are already undercompensated. “The teams who are already underpaid will not be able to stand it,” Vincentot said.

The government had anticipated a 10 percent increase in meal consumption and allocated €50 million in the 2026 budget to support the program. Officials also announced plans to provide an additional €143 million in funding for 2027. However, the staffing levels in canteens have not kept pace with the surge in demand.

Unions have called for the hiring of 500 additional canteen workers nationwide to alleviate the pressure. They have warned that the initial strike will be followed by further industrial action unless their demands are met.

The meal subsidy program forms part of President Emmanuel Macron’s broader strategy to reduce the financial burden on students, particularly amid concerns about rising living costs. While the policy has increased access to affordable food for university students, it has also exposed challenges related to the operational capacity of university catering services.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.