People

The lack of fundamental ethics amongst big food corporations angers Anna: "They constantly target young people, valuing profit over child health," says the young campaigner based in Yorkshire and the Humber. "Junk food giants have the largest influence in impressionable spaces that allow people to be targeted – like Council-owned spaces, or sports sponsorship," adds Anna. "I'd like to see a change to these harsh marketing strategies: a world where junk food isn't the only option."

Macey dreams of a world in which children from all socioeconomic backgrounds can access healthy, nutritious food, and is frustrated on a daily basis by the constant bombardment of junk food ads. "They should definitely stop advertising junk in Council-owned spaces, like vending machines at the gym," says the young activist, based in North West England. "And it's completely ludicrous and irresponsible of junk food corporations to manipulate children by directly targeting their products at them."

Young people may feel the need to eat at widely known, well-advertised places. "And when 8 out of 10 of those options are fast food, it makes us believe there are no alternatives," says Estel, who argues that we need to give healthier options a bigger share of the spotlight. "Especially in places where young people spend most of their time, like parks and leisure centres," adds the London-based activist. "It'd be a dream come true to see alternatives to the usual crisps and ice cream."

Writer. Wordsmith. Wrecking ball to junk food spin. “Whether it’s trying to have social time or trying to pick a healthy option, every part of the food system is rigged to distract and harm us,” says the London-based activist. “I would like to change the way advertising is aimed at us, and see companies providing healthy and enjoyable alternatives.” As a keen writer, Srilakshmi’s words have been at the forefront of some of our most impactful campaigns.

Heavily involved in our campaign to end junk food advertising on West Midlands public transport, Amy has repped Bite Back to Birmingham City Council and her local MP – and is a pro at gathering petition signatures. "I'm bombarded by junk food ads – on my phone, on billboards, or on passing public transport," says Amy, who helped write and record a group poem against junk food with fellow Birmingham-based activists. "This shouldn't be how a young person has to start their day."

Having loved cooking (and eating) food from a young age, Maya is excited to play a part in tackling food injustice. "Food giants target young children with deceptive and manipulative ads and products," says the Buckinghamshire-based activist. "Junk food hogs the spotlight, and profits are prioritised over children's health. And the bottom shelves – closest to babies, toddlers, and children – are flooded with foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat, hidden behind mascots and bright, eye-catching packaging."

Lucy finds peace from the noisy world through her headphones, blasting bangers on her way to college. She wants this peace to extend to what she sees as well as hears, “I would like to end junk food advertising, especially on public transport, as it is the main way students like me get to and from school or college and it is having a negative impact on our health.” When the Manchester-based activist isn't busy creating a better environment for the city’s young people, she's creating beauty through her crochet skills.

Farid is quick on his feet, not only when playing football, but also when harnessing the power of words. His spoken word skills have the power to give goosebumps to whoever's listening, and he’s not stopping there. “It is impossible for junk food and a promising future to coexist,” the Manchester-based activist says. “So the latter simply needs to be prioritised by stopping the infiltration of junk food on our high streets and adverts in our open spaces."

Passionate about writing and classical literature, Brooke joined Bite Back to repair the "broken relationship" that young people have with food. According to this young campaigner in Greater Manchester, healthier and more nutritious options should get more of the spotlight. "Eating healthy is simply not a viable choice for many young people: healthier options generally can't compete with the affordability of fast food," says Brooke. "I'd like to see more promotion of healthy but quick-and-easy meals so young people can balance their diet with their busy lives."

A keen reader with a love of poetry and creative writing, Vin is keen to develop more public speaking skills. "Junk food companies place their restaurants around schools, and take advantage of younger people," says the Liverpool-based activist. "Why do you think they're youth hangout spots? These giants tactically manipulate our generation for profit." Frustrated by the lack of accessible healthy options, Vin dreams of a world where junk food is kicked out of sport once and for all.

On a mission to address all systemic inequalities – from equal access to healthy food, to climate change – Mia joined Bite Back to prove that young people can make a positive difference. "Our food system prioritises the profits of big corporations over our health and wellbeing," says Mia. "In the midst of an economic crisis, healthy eating has become financially unattainable for many of us. Junk food giants have us surrounded, and they need to take accountability for their role in the child health epidemic."

Having been at Bite Back for four years, Zainab is sick of seeing the same story — and the same junk food ads. “When I leave my home and enter the main road, I am immediately surrounded by junk food advertising,” the London-based activist says. “I think the deliberate targeting of junk food marketing in deprived areas and limited accessibility to free school meals is absolutely appalling.” To her, a better world is one where healthier foods are in the spotlight and made accessible to people. And, as she’s studying politics and international relations at university, we have no doubt she’ll pave the way towards creating this world!