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.

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."

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 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?"

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."

An aspiring politician, Derin would put child health and food equality firmly on the agenda. Having joined the fight as a Bite Back Youth Leader, this London-based activist wants to see a world where corporations put young people's health before profit. "The most vulnerable and innocent in our society are being targeted, and no one else is stopping it," says Derin. "Junk food is advertised as convenient and cheap, but I pay more to regain the health I lost by eating it."

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."