People

When Timandra’s not spinning the decks with her extensive vinyl collection, she’s using her word wizardry skills to fight for a better world, where children in school don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, or how healthy it will be. “Going to the local chicken shop after school is seen as cool and it's a place where people hang out. Junk food is ingrained into everyday life, it’s normal to see adverts where junk food is cheaper than healthy food, and walk down streets where unhealthy takeaways are the only option” the London-based activist says.

When Clemmie's not whipping up a culinary storm in the kitchen, life is all about paving a better future for her generation. Whether that's through babysitting, where she sees the "ominous forces of junk food giants" worming their way into young children's lives, or fighting back against the food system. "It infuriates me when I see my friends anguish themselves over their own food choices when, in reality, financialised companies have invested millions in how best to force us into consuming their products — placing their profits above our health," says London-based Clemmie.

As an avid runner, Thomas is determined to chase down big food companies and hold them accountable for their use of cruel and clever marketing tactics. “It angers me how these companies target young people in our towns, in our cities, on our way to school and in shops and at bus stations, we get no break!” Thomas says, a true Bactivist speeding ahead on a path to challenge the status quo.

Ollie stands for justice, whether through studying criminology and law at college, or through a passion for raising awareness for autism and other hidden disabilities. "The fact that young people find themselves worrying more about if they have enough for lunch than their lessons angers me most about the food system," Ollie says, taking a break from books and banging music to share some wise words.

While working at Scope, the equality charity for disabled people, Carlotta developed an interest in accessible design – and she brings extensive experience from her Masters in Ethnographic and Documentary Filmmaking to Bite Back's visual content. "I cannot wait for a day where I can leave my house and not feel constant pressure from junk food giants to eat their food," she says. "If we replaced junk food ads with beautiful art, wouldn't our streets look a lot better?"

With eight years' experience in public affairs, Ayesha has previously worked at ACCA, the NUS, and Macmillan Cancer Support. At Bite Back, she builds and maintains relationships with MPs and Government officials, lobbying for effective policy change. "Ever since I was little, big junk food companies have always been present," she says. "Over time this has had a massive effect on the types of food I eat. At Bite Back I had my 'penny drop moment': now I'm constantly questioning clever advertising tricks."

With an MSc in International Development, Sara has worked in INGOs – focusing on child protection and development. She supports our team to keep everything running smoothly. "Food giants trick us into believing their products are good for you," she says. "Supermarkets are flooded with junk, strategically placed to attract your attention. Markets are more my thing – but I still need to go to the supermarket, and it's always a struggle to feel at ease there."