Politics · France · 1 week ago
7 million adults in mainland France say they sometimes lack food
A survey commissioned by Action Against Hunger says 7 million adults in mainland France sometimes or often lack enough food.
That is 13% of the people surveyed, and the share rises to 25% among those aged 18 to 24.
Eighty percent of people who lack enough food cite financial difficulties.
The survey also found that 39% have enough to eat but give up foods they would like to have; among 18-to-24-year-olds, the figure is 47%.
This distinction reflects both a shortage of food and difficulty accessing the kinds of food people want.
Action Against Hunger is calling for a law on the right to food, including wider access to school meals and fresh food.
It also urges people to sign a European citizens’ initiative seeking a law to guarantee that right, with a goal of one million signatures by January 7, 2027.
A report by Action contre la faim says 7 million adults in mainland France sometimes or often lack food.
The survey found that 13% of people in France report sometimes or often lacking food.
Among people affected, 80% cite financial difficulties.
The report says 25% of people aged 18 to 24 lack food, while 47% say they have enough to eat but give up some foods they would like.
Action contre la faim calls for a law on the right to food and better access to affordable, quality food.
- Who
- Seven million adults in mainland France, according to a report by Action contre la faim.
- What
- They say they sometimes or often lack food.
- When
- The report was revealed on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Mainland France.
- Why
- 80% of those affected cite financial difficulties.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Action contre la faim’s report was revealed, reporting that 7 million adults in mainland France sometimes or often lack food.
The report was published ahead of World Food Day.
The European citizens’ initiative aims to reach one million signatures by this date.
- Adults affected
- 7 million in mainland France
- Survey finding
- 13% say they sometimes or often lack food
- Financial difficulties
- Cited by 80% of those affected
- Ages 18–24
- 25% say they lack food
- Report revealed
- 12 October 2026
2 sources
What people are saying
13% of people in France say they sometimes or often lack food, which is what is called quantitative food insecurity
adopting a framework law on the right to food to set clear obligations for the State and local authorities, better coordinate public policies and ensure their follow-up over time