People

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!

Passionate about developing a food system that better serves young people, Oli played a key role in creating our manifesto – sent to different Councillors – and was also part of our free school meals stunt outside Westminster. "Depending on where you live, you can be up to three times more likely to develop a food-related illness," Oli points out. "Junk food companies pester us until we give in, and flood our sports with unhealthy options. It's ridiculous. Wouldn't it be incredible to be free from their influence?"

Research-loving Jayda has represented her school in debating contests, and joined Bite Back to help amplify children's voices in our fast-paced world. According to this London-based activist, we need to cut back fast food outlets – particularly outside school gates. "Children are the now and the future, so why are we manipulated and used like puppets for company gains?" asks Jayda. "In a better world, we'd all have access to healthier foods – and finally be able to say no to junk food."

Alice is campaigning to end junk food ads in public spaces. Calling out the lack of corporate accountability in the food industry as "absolutely crazy", this London-based activist is also tackling the role of junk food in sports – particularly women's football. "Individuals are blamed for struggling in a system rigged against them," says Alice. "I don't want to be bombarded by junk food ads when I'm simply walking to school. It's exhausting and relentless."

Having held fundraising and digital roles in the non-profit sector for 10 years, Gina joined Bite Back from Canal & River Trust, and previously co-founded a grassroots campaign to raise awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. "Giant food companies infiltrate youth culture to put their products in the spotlight, without any concern for their effect on the future health of young people or the planet. It's poisoning art, music, and fashion," she says. "I'd like to see colourful, delicious and nutritious meals everywhere – and for them to be affordable."

Proudly part of the Bite Back movement since the very start, Nika wrote our reports on school food and misleading packaging claims – and leads our Food Systems Accelerator programme. She previously worked on advocacy for organisations such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Movember. "I don't want to see family members tricked by 'health claims' into purchasing sugary products anymore," she says. "People should have the freedom to choose food that makes them feel good, not just what's cheapest and is advertised the most."

As our Senior Campaigns Manager, Hannah’s favourite moments come when she’s chatting with our Youth Activists and watching them hold their own against the giants as they speak truth to power. When she’s not exposing Big Food, Hannah volunteers on a farm, learning first-hand about the challenges of food production. She’s had enough of the deliberate exploitation of Big Food and questions: “How different would it be if healthy options were centre stage?”

Arguably the best job in the house, Rachel works directly with our young activists as our Youth Development Manager. Rachel uses her experience mentoring and promoting life skills in various youth settings to manage the recruitment, development and delivery of our youth experience to more than 50 young people. “It feels like you can’t escape the constant messages telling you what you should crave. And the lack of ingredient transparency? Talk about frustrating!” she sighs.

Aspiring teacher Timi loves debating, art and songwriting, and enjoys discovering different cultures and languages. A keen human rights activist, the London-based campaigner was inspired to join Bite Back after first-hand experience of the struggle for kids from low-income families to access healthy, nutritious food: "My family went through a really tough period when I was younger," recalls Timi. "We were using food banks, and relied on free school meals to get through the day. It was our only guaranteed healthy nutritious meal."