People

"Our food system is so deeply flawed, it seems irreparable," says Amy, a young activist in South East England. "We're manipulated to believe it's fine. That it's normal to be inundated with junk food ads on our way to school; for corporate giants to deceive us with marketing tricks, prioritising wealth over health. We're groomed to view food through this toxic system's eyes, not our own. We must shift our mindset: this is about major corporations providing us with better options."

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."

Frustrated by the sheer scale at which we're being lied to in our current food system, Srilakshmi argues that food giants must be more honest about what goes into their products. "From children's yoghurts to food at airports, there are advertising tricks and blatant lies everywhere you turn," says the East Midlands-based campaigner. Srilakshmi believes we need legislation to force big corporations to be more transparent: "And they should be held publicly accountable if they're found to be lying."

Passionate debater Alex is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and has been closely involved in many Bite Back campaigns and events. "We're past the days of green smoothies: it's time to step it up a gear and present healthy food in a manner that appeals to young people," says the Youth Parliament member from Yorkshire and the Humber. "It's ridiculous that a chocolate bar is often cheaper than a piece of fruit in a supermarket: it makes it difficult to resist temptation."

Keen footballer and music lover Asher plays gospel tunes on the piano, and joined Bite Back to play a part in making real change happen. "We have no choice but to see junk food ads wherever we go," says the young activist, based in Yorkshire and the Humber, who believes there should be more healthy places for young people to eat instead of fast-food outlets on every corner. "Influential teams and players should also stop partnering with junk food companies," adds Asher.

A member of the Sheffield Youth Cabinet, Isabella is also a published poet. "From its environmental impact to how the industry manipulates us, there's so much wrong with the food system," says the Venezuela-born, Sheffield-based young activist. "It's easy to turn to junk food after being bombarded with ads on the bus, on our phones and on the streets. I'd like to live in a world where the food system benefits us and our planet."

Passionate about ending child food poverty, Edward joined Bite Back to help make good-quality food more accessible, and kick junk food out of school canteens. "Companies prey on teens, especially in more disadvantaged areas, with catchy and colourful advertisements for food that's bad for our health," says the young West Midlands-based activist. "I want to see a world where, regardless of age, socioeconomic background and area of residence, we can all access healthy, nutritious food easily."

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."

Aspiring lawyer Emily believes anyone with enough passion and motivation can become an activist for child health. A keen public speaker, this West Midlands-based campaigner sees Bite Back as a platform to fight for equality and justice. "Big businesses make money from me being misinformed," says Emily. "I've definitely got trust issues with the food system. I'm tired of vibrant cartoon characters, misleading facts, and colourful, psychologically powerful marketing. These huge corporations always find a way to bombard me."

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."

An avid gamer, reader and music fan, Mia joined Bite Back to be part of something bigger – and drive real change. "There's no regard for anybody who can't afford food," says the young activist from North West England. "The Government's always going on about how we're 'the future', but many of us can't even afford a snack. Portions should match the price, and there should be free school meals for everyone who needs them."