Nîmes voters are weighing a bold proposal from mayoral candidate Franck Proust: free school lunches for all students, starting in the fall of 2028. The promise, unveiled Friday at the Placette school alongside celebrated chef Jérôme Nutile, aims to address both family finances and childhood nutrition in the city. This commitment to free school lunches is a central pillar of Proust’s campaign as the March 15th and 22nd municipal elections approach.
Proust framed the initiative as a significant economic benefit for families, particularly as costs continue to rise. He estimated that a family with two children could save up to €300 annually, contrasting this with what he characterized as modest tax cut proposals from other candidates, such as Julien Plantier. “Here’s a political will. A measure of purchasing power for families,” Proust stated, according to reporting from Le Réveil du Midi. The plan would impact approximately 11,800 students across Nîmes, with an estimated cost of €2 million, in addition to the existing €6 million already allocated for school canteen management.
A Phased Approach Tied to Existing Contracts
The 2028 timeline isn’t arbitrary. Proust explained that it’s dictated by the existing public service delegation contract with Dupont Restauration. “Why this date? We are obliged to wait for the end of the DSP contract passed with the company Dupont Restauration,” he said. Currently, canteen fees in Nîmes vary from €1 to €7 per meal, based on a progressive scale designed to provide some level of financial assistance. Proust argues that universal gratuity would go further, ensuring equal access to nutritious meals for all children, regardless of socioeconomic background. He views this as a key step in promoting both social equity and healthy eating habits.
Beyond the immediate cost savings for families, Proust envisions a broader transformation of school meals in Nîmes. He announced plans to increase the proportion of organic and locally sourced products served in school canteens. To facilitate this, he proposes taking over canteen management at the agglomeration level and establishing a central kitchen to increase volume and reduce costs. This move, he believes, would allow for greater control over quality, and sourcing.
Gastronomy as a Cornerstone of Nîmes’ Identity
The announcement was strategically paired with the presence of Jérôme Nutile, a Michelin-starred chef who is expected to become an adjoint in charge of promoting local gastronomy if Proust is elected. Nutile’s involvement underscores Proust’s broader vision of leveraging Nîmes’ culinary reputation – the city boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Occitanie – as a driver of tourism and economic growth. “Nîmes is one of the cities with the most starred restaurants,” Proust emphasized, noting the influx of Belgian tourists who visit the city specifically to dine at its acclaimed restaurants. Nutile’s role would be dedicated to championing local gastronomy, valorizing regional products, and overseeing school catering.
A Divergence on Transportation Costs
While enthusiastic about free school lunches, Proust remains firmly opposed to another proposal gaining traction in the mayoral race: free public transportation. Vincent Bouget, a candidate from the Gauche unie coalition, has advocated for free transportation for those under 25. Proust argues that such a measure would be financially unsustainable, leading to a loss of revenue and ultimately requiring a reimbursement of value-added tax (VAT). He estimates the total cost at €8 million, citing a potential disruption to the existing market structure where transportation revenue currently exceeds 10% of the total market cost (€52 million). “The people today want efficient public transport with a better service. Free transport is a nonsense,” Proust stated, as reported by Midi Libre.
Proust’s campaign is also focusing on broader issues such as security, the environment, and urban development, with a proposed investment of €110 million annually, split between the city and the agglomeration. He has also pledged to hold referendums on major projects, aiming to increase citizen participation in decision-making. The candidate has outlined plans for a “Central Park à la Nîmoise” and a reorganization of the municipal police force, including the use of drones for surveillance.
As Nîmes prepares for the first round of voting on March 15th, and a potential runoff on March 22nd, voters will be weighing these competing visions for the city’s future. The next key date will be the release of official first-round results, which will determine which candidates advance to the final stage of the election.
What do you think about the proposals for Nîmes? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with others interested in the future of this historic city.
