Berlin’s Left Party pushes for state-funded canteens to fight food costs and loneliness

Three-euro meals and community hubs could reshape Berlin’s districts. But first, the Left Party must convince voters—and the budget.

, and Administrator

2025 December 11 . 12:23 AM

1 min read

In the image we can see there are people who are standing and beside there is a cafe on which it's... — In the image we can see there are people who are standing and beside there is a cafe on which it's written "Ruskin's Cafe".

Berlin’s Left Party pushes for state-funded canteens to fight food costs and loneliness

Berlin’s Left Party (Die Linke) has proposed a network of state-funded canteens to tackle rising food costs and social isolation. Called Kiezkantinen (neighbourhood canteens), the plan would see at least one affordable dining space in every district. Leading candidate Elif Eralp aims to test the idea during the election campaign, with full rollout dependent on a future Left-led government.

The party argues that public canteens offering cheap lunches have disappeared in recent years. Their solution involves district-run kitchens, backed by state funding, serving meals for around three to four euros each. An estimated annual budget of ten million euros could cover one canteen per district.

The proposal addresses both financial strain and social fragmentation. If realised, the canteens would provide low-cost meals while creating spaces for interaction across generations. Success depends on election results and securing the necessary funding.