Survey highlights food insecurity in France

A survey by OpinionWay, commissioned by Action against Hunger and released on October 12, 2026, found that 13% of adults in Metropolitan France sometimes or often lack food, affecting about 7 million people. Including the overseas departments and regions, where poverty is higher, the number may be closer to 7.2 million, though the true figure is likely higher due to challenging socio-economic conditions.

Young adults face higher food insecurity

Among those aged 18-24, 25% reported sometimes or often lacking food, indicating a significant generational divide. This age group faces economic instability, housing difficulties, and rising costs of essentials. The study also noted that 39% of the French have enough to eat but skip certain foods they want, with 47% of young adults doing the same due to budget constraints.

Financial strain is the main cause

In 80% of cases, financial issues were cited as the primary reason for food insecurity. Inflation, stagnant wages, and rising living costs reduce the share of income available for food. L'Humanité reported that the situation reflects growing poverty in parts of France, worsened by climate crises that drive up agricultural prices and burden low-income households.

Right to food not legally protected in France

Although the right to food has been recognized by international law for 46 years, it is not explicitly included in French legislation. Despite this, 73% of respondents believe this right is not genuinely ensured in France. Moreover, 86% think a law guaranteeing access to sufficient, healthy, sustainable, and chosen food is essential.

Calls for legal recognition grow

In March 2026, the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights recommended enshrining the right to food in the French constitution and adopting a framework law to ensure its implementation. However, six months later, no parliamentary action had been taken. Most respondents believe the government should act first, followed by food companies and solidarity organizations.

Action against Hunger advocates for a framework law

Action against Hunger, which fights food insecurity in France, supports a framework law on the right to food. The goal is to define clear responsibilities for the state and local authorities, coordinate public policies, and ensure long-term follow-up. Hélène Quéau, director of the France Mission of Action against Hunger, says such a law would shift from isolated efforts to a structured public policy.

Proposed measures to improve food access

The proposed law includes making school cafeterias accessible to all children, with prices adjusted to family income, ensuring at least one nutritious meal per day for vulnerable children. It also aims to improve access to fresh food in underserved areas and regulate the food industry to promote healthy products. Farmers would be supported to ensure fair prices and sustainable agriculture.

European initiative aims to secure food rights

Action against Hunger also encourages people to sign a European Citizens' Initiative to recognize the right to food. The goal is to collect one million signatures by January 7, 2027, prompting the European Commission to consider a legislative framework. This could pressure French lawmakers to act at both national and European levels.

Global hunger crisis underscores urgency

According to the United Nations, 645 million people suffered from hunger in 2025, a rise of 61 million since 2019. One in three people globally cannot eat healthily, and the situation is expected to worsen in 2026 due to conflicts, disasters, and crises. France, despite being a developed country, is not immune to these trends, with growing inequality and food becoming a marker of social division.