A food voucher with gradual implementation and evaluations
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 7:02 am
Despite these advantages, the implementation of such a system has given rise to several criticisms. First, the threshold effects inherent in the system could lead to its rejection by segments of the population that would not benefit from it. The middle classes, in particular, would be excluded from the system even though they are suffering the effects of food inflation. [9] Second, the creation of a targeted food voucher raises an ethical question: is it the role of the State to dictate citizens' food choices by directing their spending? This paternalistic approach is contested by food aid associations, which argue in favor of a voucher without restrictions on use. Finally, on the economic level, a food voucher targeted at fruits and vegetables could worsen the trade balance, since nearly one in two fruits and vegetables consumed in France is imported [10] . This point raises opposition from agricultural unions, who fear that such public spending would disadvantage national production.
Aware of these risks, the report recommends deploying this food voucher experimentally until 2027, at which point a decision would be made whether or not to continue the system based on an assessment of the extent of these side effects.
Furthermore, such a voucher could be accompanied by education on food and cooking. In this respect, feedback from Seine-Saint-Denis offers interesting perspectives: the switzerland phone number list organization of regular workshops for beneficiaries allows them to strengthen their culinary skills, optimize the use of the voucher for nutritionally balanced purchases and encourage better eating habits [11] . The proposed initiative can therefore only be relevant if it is part of a more global approach aimed at acting on the imagination around healthy cooking. It is with this in mind that this work recommends increasing food education in schools and universities and establishing "Food Heritage Days", making it possible to celebrate, over a weekend throughout France, the richness of our regions and to revive enthusiasm for our culinary art of living. [12]
The Caisse des Dépôts supports, through the Institute for Research, the activities of the Montaigne Institute. Created in 2000, this think tank offers studies and debates on public policies serving the general interest .
Aware of these risks, the report recommends deploying this food voucher experimentally until 2027, at which point a decision would be made whether or not to continue the system based on an assessment of the extent of these side effects.
Furthermore, such a voucher could be accompanied by education on food and cooking. In this respect, feedback from Seine-Saint-Denis offers interesting perspectives: the switzerland phone number list organization of regular workshops for beneficiaries allows them to strengthen their culinary skills, optimize the use of the voucher for nutritionally balanced purchases and encourage better eating habits [11] . The proposed initiative can therefore only be relevant if it is part of a more global approach aimed at acting on the imagination around healthy cooking. It is with this in mind that this work recommends increasing food education in schools and universities and establishing "Food Heritage Days", making it possible to celebrate, over a weekend throughout France, the richness of our regions and to revive enthusiasm for our culinary art of living. [12]
The Caisse des Dépôts supports, through the Institute for Research, the activities of the Montaigne Institute. Created in 2000, this think tank offers studies and debates on public policies serving the general interest .