People

Pivotal in Bite Back's free school meals campaign – including appearing on Channel 4 News in 2022 – Sam has represented us at various events. A deputy youth MP, this dedicated activist from South East England is part of a national Government advisory group. "No matter where you go or what you do, junk food is the unhelpful tag-along that never lets go," says Sam. "Junk food giants should be called out for what they are: deceptive and unhealthy. The Government should legislate to protect honesty – our health depends on it."

Part of his local Youth Council, Ben enjoys movies and listening to audiobooks – and believes healthy food should be available at a much lower price for all. "This would make it easier for people to have a balanced diet, with a bit of junk food for a treat," says the Merseyside-based campaigner. "Fast food is cheap, and it's nice – but it promotes unhealthy eating. We need more healthy options on the menu."

School Council member Lucy recently worked hard to achieve an eco award for the school, and is an avid photographer, debater and music fan – often found at the heart of a mosh pit. "We're so desensitised to the bombardment of junk food ads," says the campaigner from Greater Manchester, who joined Bite Back to drive positive change locally. "That's especially true during sports games, which just doesn't make sense. Sponsorship should reflect what they're trying to promote."

When not playing football for his local team, Farid loves exploring new places. "It's disheartening to see the accessibility of junk food compared to nutritious alternatives," says the young activist from North West England. "Not everyone can afford good health – and that needs to change." Farid would like to see healthy food become the norm: "Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins should be readily available and affordable. And labels should honestly communicate information, rather than misleading us."

Published short story writer Imogen is also a dedicated eco campaigner, winning an award for a sustainable cities project created by an eco group at school. "It makes me frustrated that low-quality food is sometimes sold at premium prices," says the Manchester-based activist, who is keen to gain more confidence in public speaking and learn more about child health issues. "In an ideal world, there'd be no more food poverty – because everyone deserves to eat healthily."

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.

Heavily involved in our research projects, Destiny aspires to become an MP to enact visible change and fight inequality. "Junk food corporations deliberately target young people, especially those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds," says the young activist, who has written to countless Councillors and presented to several face-to-face. "Every other email I receive is a junk food ad or deal. Around my schools and university, those are the only options available. I'd love to see more cultural and nutritional diversity."

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."

A committed and eloquent campaigner, Lily has represented Bite Back on BBC London Live, served as a media spokesperson at our #EtonMess protest, and contributed to our manifesto. "Some kids are set back from childhood because they can't access nutritious food," says the London-based activist. "Eating healthily shouldn't be a 'postcode lottery' – it's every child's right." Lily also laments the influence that food giants have in sport: "When a player scores, that should be a win for the team – not the unhealthy companies who sponsor them."

An integral part of Bite Back's drive against junk food marketing in London, Zainab has also contributed massively to our free school meal campaign, as well as producing social media videos and helping to write our creative manifesto leading up to the 2022 local elections. "In an ideal world, all young people would have a level playing field to start off their futures," says Zainab. "We need to start with the right food being accessible to everyone."

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 diet-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?"