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Can you access healthy food choices in your community?

06th - 13th September 2024

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60536

Total votes

15152

5-11 votes

45384

11-16+ votes

For this VoteTopic, we joined forces with Barnardo's and Co-op to talk about food access. In May 2023, Barnardo’s and Co-op launched an ambitious partnership to bring local communities together to support positive futures for 750,000 under-25s across the UK. We are delighted to be helping them further this vital research through this week’s VoteTopic.

Primary child

Age 5-11 voter

"I believe that we should cook more in school because it will help us later on in life to be independent and healthy!"

Secondary teen

Age 11-16 voter

"Larger supermarkets have a really good range of healthy food options."

Secondary VT Student

Age 11-16 voter

"We [...] have a Starbucks, McDonalds, Subway and Sainsburys outside the school gates. Unhealthy options are cheaper so your money can go further."

Feedback from our Impact Partners...

Thank you to Ali Cooper at Barnardo's for responding to young people's voices on this VoteTopic!

90% of 7-11-year olds said that cooking lessons should be included more frequently in their learning.

  • Primary pupils were discussing whether cooking should take up more time in the curriculum.
  • 86% of 5-7-year olds and 90% of 7-11-year olds voted 'Yes'.
  • Some said that learning this skill would help them eat balanced, nutritious diets as adults.
77% of Secondary students said they had access to healthy food choices in their community.

  • Secondary, College and older students were discussing food access, with the question: "Can you access healthy food choices in your community?"
  • The majority voted 'Yes', at 77%.
  • Some said whilst they have access to healthy food, they still choose the 'unhealthier' options because they taste nicer.
Some voters argued that healthy food choices are too expensive compared to less nutritious or highly processed alternatives.

  • Many young people claimed that whilst healthy food choices are available too them, they often cost much more than the less healthy options.
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