This is a provision that allowed savings on food shopping. Being able to pay with a meal voucher for many products such as pasta, rice, bread but also vegetables, fruits, cheeses, frozen foods, was possible thanks to an exemption taken in October 2022 to counter inflation and improve the purchasing power of the French.
A “distorted” function
If no decision is taken, the measure will end on December 31, as indicated on the website of the National Commission for Meal Vouchers (CNTR). “Nothing is arbitrated” on the maintenance or not of the provision, nevertheless warns the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) questioned by The Parisian. “This had distorted the very function of meal vouchers,” adds the ministry, which specifies that the ceiling of 25 euros per day will remain unchanged.
Certain immediately consumable products, such as sandwiches, salads, boxes of pasta to reheat and other prepared meals can still be purchased via this payment method.
The end of the measure, while inflation still affects food products at 7.7% over one year in October according to INSEE and that poverty is worsening in France, risks worsening the situation of many households. It will, on the other hand, delight restaurateurs by filling their rooms again.