The way food vouchers work could soon change. A bill introduced in the National Assembly plans to make their use in supermarkets permanent, while opening the way to a debate over the double spending limit.
Food vouchers needed by more than 6 million French people to finance their meals or shopping could soon change how they work. According to an Ifop survey conducted for Edenred, published on July 2 and shared with RMC, 93% of users believe it is an important device for their purchasing power. It is for this reason that a bill introduced at the beginning of June by MP Christoph Nägelen (Liot) intends to “modernize and balance” its work.
The text first plans to summarize the dematerialization of food vouchers. Paper versions, which still make up about 20% of issued securities, will disappear completely on January 1, 2028.
Use in supermarkets will soon be included in the law
Another important development: the ability to use food stamps to buy food in supermarkets will be finally enshrined in law. This exemption, introduced in 2022 to support purchasing power in the face of inflation, now allows you to pay for products that are not directly consumed, such as pasta, rice, flour or oil.
Initially, this measure was temporary, but has already been extended twice until the end of 2026. The proposed legislation now aims to make it permanent, as the practice has become a reflex for many consumers.
However, the text must indicate which products will remain excluded from the system. In particular, you cannot buy alcohol, confectionery, pet food and even some children’s products with food stamps.
Double ceiling that divides
The RMC stresses that the main point of debate, however, may be about setting an upper limit for dual use. The measure, defended by restaurateurs, would limit spending in supermarkets to 15 euros a day, while maintaining a 25-euro ceiling in restaurants. Catering professionals believe that the proliferation of food vouchers in supermarkets distracts the system from its main purpose and limits their activities. Since 2022, the share of spending in supermarkets has increased, while in restaurants it has decreased.
If the measure does not appear in the bill, an amendment could be made during a review of the text, which is expected at the beginning of the school year. Then parliament will have to make a decision. Former trade minister Véronique Louvagi supported this approach. However, his successor Serge Papin is rather against this.
The French are also divided, according to an Ifop poll by Edenred: 50% say they favor a differentiated cap for restaurants and supermarkets, compared with 34% who oppose it. Another option, raising the ceiling in restaurants (€30) while maintaining the ceiling in supermarkets, could also be discussed during the parliamentary debate.
The bill finally plans to make it possible to donate all or part of food vouchers to food assistance associations. On the other hand, the regularly mentioned use of titles on Sunday does not appear in the text and, if retained, would be the subject of a separate edict.