People

After joining Bite Back in 2024, Zara’s ‘penny-drop’ moment occurred when she noticed just how easily accessible fast food is while on the go — and she’s determined to change that, one social media moment at a time. “I think big food chains and companies think they’re doing what appeals most to the younger generation,” Zara says, “but that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to what they’re serving.” Now, she’s working to build a world where healthy options are more than just a sad salad or a side of vegetables.

A huge fan of all things Girlguiding, Emily is no stranger to lighting the path to change, and is especially passionate about school food. With important exams coming up, she questions whether school food is healthy enough for young people. “The state of school food definitely frustrates me — what do you mean I'm supposed to pass my exams on a piece of cold pizza and a Radnor fizz?”. Joining Bite Back in 2024, Emily’s on a mission to create “a world where every young person receives at least one nutritious meal a day.”

Singer, actor, and social media whiz — Carrera imagines a world free from constant ‘ad-attacks’ by junk food giants. “I’d like to change the influence they have by replacing their prominence with healthier food alternatives or just different organisations in general,” says the Milton Keynes-based activist. “What frustrates me the most is how easily Big Food companies are able to get away with damaging the health of our generation.” Her Bite Back highlight? Sitting down in Westminster for a straight-up, no-fluff convo with MP Stephen Morgan.

Yacub brings heaps of energy to Bite Back, and a true passion for politics. “What infuriates me most about the food system is how homogenous it is,” he says. “It promotes little to no variety of food that results in a lack of representation of diverse and unique cultures.”. Yacub is ready to push back on the influence junk food has on his life, and wants to see a world where diverse and healthy food is placed front and center — a passion he’s taken to stages speaking to doctors and the healthcare sector.

From London to Leeds, Essex to Bolton, Danielle has moved around — and everywhere she goes, the junk food ads seem to follow. The consistent presence of fast food adverts in her life makes it almost impossible to find healthier options. “I want to see a world where young people can find healthy, affordable, and convenient food without their health being compromised. A world where our environment reflects a world that cares about us,” she says. When she’s not spinning 90s R&B, she’s leading her school’s African Caribbean Society and fighting for fairer food.

Pahel’s dream is to have more than pizza for lunch at school. As a vegetarian, she has barely any healthy options, or food that isn’t burnt, bland, or beige. Outside of school, Pahel wants to see a change in advertising. “From every step I walk outside my door, to my phone screen, all I see are junk food ads everywhere,” says the Milton Keynes-based activist.

Avid debater, member of Youth Parliament, and podcast host, Zahra is a powerhouse of activism, working towards a better world. “A better world would have a food system that prioritises health, sustainability, and equity,” says the London-based activist, “I want to see the rise of more affordable, widespread healthy food options in our local communities.” There’s no doubt that Zahra will take this vision further, after hiking and climbing mountains, she already knows what it’s like to be on top of the world!

Edda’s ready to rock the world, with her new band, and by taking on Big Food. “For me, the worst thing about the food system is that these big food companies target those who are most vulnerable, she says, “ A better world would mean that worrying about food options and security would be irrelevant as food would be easily accessible, cheap and nutritious. “ After growing up with the temperamental weather of the NorthEast, there’s no storm that Edda can’t roller-skate her way through!

Maria’s passion for dancing means she's no stranger to fancy footwork, but her vision for the future is a lot more simple. “I want to walk down my high street and not be suffocated by the bombardment of junk food ads that flood my high street”, the London-based activist says, “I want options!” Aside from learning languages and performing arts, Maria loves watching films, and wants to be able to tune in without junk food ads popping up on her screens.

Ruth is well versed in creating a better world as a volunteer for a furniture reuse scheme where she finds new homes for pre-loved furniture. As our HR Manager, she brings that same tenacity to Bite Back, fighting against the inequities of our food system and the relentless push from Big Food to sell us junk. “Junk food giants have the biggest influence on my kids — through social media, advertising on our local high street, on their way to school, and in the local leisure centre,” the nature lover says.

For nearly two decades, Rhammel has been shaking things up and lobbying for change on the issues facing modern Britain. As our Head of Youth Activist Development, he’s passionate about empowering the next generation of activists to do the same, and creating a world where they are free from Big Food. “There's no escape. Many of these companies claim to be delivering a great good to the world when we know they're responsible for so much of the food-related ill-health we see in society.”

Chris has had enough of fast-food notifications pinging like annoying doorbells. A public policy graduate, he’s passionate about promoting equality in the food system, by regulating direct marketing from these companies. “Young people deserve a stress-free food environment that sets them up for success in life,” our Policy and Engagement Executive says, ready to take on any food company that tries to fool us!