People

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.

When Destiny’s not lost in poetry, she gets involved in her university’s politics societies, creating space for young people to call for healthier surroundings. “There is only a trickle of healthier options available on campus,” she says, “our options are limited, limiting our potential. Companies should be held accountable for their actions and implement rules to maintain a fairer food system.” She’s taken Bite Back’s work globally, travelling to Jamaica to work with other youth organisations.

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."

Talented artist Anica contributed creative skills to our cause, designing a key piece of artwork for our manifesto. A passionate advocate for young people's health, this activist has presented to Councillors from several London boroughs. "Junk food brands target young children under the guise of healthy packaging, and get away with it," says Anica. "It's integrated into our culture. Cheap, unhealthy foods are easy to access, whether we like it or not. They should be shoved out of the spotlight."

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."