People

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!

Bite Back’s resident music maverick and walking football encyclopaedia, Henry is an award-winning former journalist and lover of pulp fiction. As our Head of Digital and Communications, he brings over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector — with the likes of CARE International, The British Red Cross, and the UN World Food Programme. Making his mark as a political journalist, Henry has his eyes set on a healthier world: “I envision a food system where every child globally has enough nutritious meals to not only survive but thrive — with the energy to learn, to be creative and innovative.”

With a whopping 25 years in the nonprofit sector, Rachael is our Head of Operations — basically,there’s no one we’d trust more to steer the Bite Back ship. She loves working behind the scenes to help startups grow sustainably so they can have an even greater impact on the world, and wants the same for young people. Rachael imagines a world where they all have equal access to better food, and says, “They would live longer, happy and more enabled lives.”