New research by youth activist charity Bite Back, in partnership with the University of Cambridge, reveals that Big Food chains are rapidly expanding near schools across Great Britain, surrounding children with unhealthy food options at an alarming rate.
Launched today, the report entitled Big Food & Our Communities: Where are food chains expanding?, exposes Big Food’s overwhelming reach into young people’s lives. The findings reveal a staggering 59% increase in major food outlets since 2014, with particularly concerning growth near schools.
According to the study, nearly 3,500 schools in Great Britain now have a major food outlet within 400 metres—1,000 more schools than in 2014. More than half of outlets for Domino’s (76%), Subway (58%), and Greggs (56%) are located close to schools, highlighting the growing presence of unhealthy food options near educational environments.
Bite Back activist, Farid (17) from Manchester, said: “These places have free WiFi. So especially when I was in Year 10 and 11 and didn’t have a data plan, that’s where I would go. I knew it wouldn’t be too loud, so I could sit there and revise. It was a safe space for me. But then the food on offer is unhealthy—100%, I feel exploited.”
His colleague Brooke (16) from Tameside added: “There’s a takeaway on almost every corner around where I live. Sometimes it feels like the only thing available is junk food. It’s hard to make better choices when that’s all you see.
“From today, anyone can use Bite Back’s postcode tool on our website to see how fast food chains have surrounded their home or school. It’s easy to use, and in just a few steps, you can share your story and more importantly, email your MP to demand they take action to protect young people’s health,” Brooke explained.
According to Bite Back studies, fast food outlets in Greater Manchester have grown by 29.4% over the past decade, highlighting the increasing presence of these chains in the region.
A huge concern for activists and health experts is how fast food now makes up a significant proportion of the out-of-home food market, heavily influencing young people and contributing to the prevalence of unhealthy options in their daily lives.
Dr Jody Hoenink from the MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, remarked: “The evidence in this report suggests a concentrated presence of big food chain outlets near schools and in deprived areas, contributing to an environment that may encourage unhealthy dietary choices among young people. The growth data speaks for itself, and immediate regulatory action is necessary to counter Big Food’s influence.”
Location is everything, and fast food chains know it. From today, visitors to the Bite Back website can use the charity’s nifty postcode tool to see how fast food chains have grown near their home or school. In just a few quick steps, they can email their MP directly to demand action for healthier food environments.
James Toop, CEO of Bite Back, added: “This year alone, Bite Back has published three reports on the troubling influence of major food manufacturers. The new study goes further – showing how fast food is not only dominating the out-of-home market but is deeply embedded in young people’s lives – especially in the most deprived areas. We’re calling on the Government and Big Food to take immediate action to prioritise young people’s health over profit. Together, we can ensure the next generation has a fair chance at a healthier future.”
