It’s no coincidence that the processed food industry spends millions of dollars each year advertising their products in places popular with kids – including on buses, trams, trains, and around schools.
In fact, kids in Victoria see at least 25 of these unhealthy ads every day as they go about their lives!
Through this advertising, the processed food industry is attempting to create life-long customers with no regard to the health implications of their products. Being above a healthy weight in childhood can track into adulthood, including increasing the risk of 13 types of cancer, such as bowel cancer. With bowel cancer seeing a rise in younger people aged 25-49 years, the impact of these foods can’t be downplayed.
“As a parent, I’m concerned that we’ve got unhealthy food advertising around public transport, around school zone areas. I want to set my kids up for a healthy future,” said mum-of-three, Felicia, who lives in Melbourne’s south-east.
“I’d like to reduce their risk of chronic illnesses and diseases as they grow up. I’d like them to live healthy and fulfilling lives, have the energy to do the things that they want to do.”
Melbourne mum Felicia with her daughter.
Cancer Council Victoria research found that nearly 6 in 10 food and drink ads on public transport along school routes in Victoria promote junk food. Our Food Fight campaign is calling for the removal of unhealthy food and drink advertising around public transport and infrastructure in Victoria, and within 500 metres of schools.
Unhealthy food and drink advertising works on our kids in a powerful way, shaping what they eat, want, and ask for.
“Being surrounded by marketing of unhealthy food and sugary drinks is good for the processed food industry’s profits, but bad for our children's health,” said Jane Martin, Head of Obesity Programs at Cancer Council Victoria.
“Cities including Canberra, London, and Amsterdam have all taken steps to create transport systems free from junk food advertising. It’s time for Victoria to follow suit,” concluded Jane.
Over 13,800 people have put their support behind the Food Fight campaign with many writing to their MP to express their concerns.
“My message to the Victorian Government is to stop the ads around our schools, around places that should be safe for our children,” Felicia said.
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All children deserve to grow up in environments that support their health and wellbeing.
Whether you signed the statement, wrote to your MP, shared your story or made a donation, you are helping to influence change to make it easier for our kids to eat healthy and enjoy a healthy future.
Join our Food Fight campaign
Sign up to join the thousands calling on the Victorian Government to remove unhealthy food and drink advertising on public transport, public transport infrastructure and within 500m of schools.
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