Report on Consultation on Healthy Alternatives to Junk Food – in partnership with NCS: The Challenge

This report summarises a Healthwatch Wandsworth consultation on healthy alternatives to junk food, carried out in partnership with the National Citizen Service (NCS) and 13 young volunteers aged 15-17. The survey was developed in response to concerns about healthy eating and proposals to close several fried chicken shops near local schools. A total of 135 responses were collected from the public. 

The findings showed that, across all age groups, people generally valued food that was healthy, tasty and affordable. However, among those aged under 25, taste was the most important factor, followed by price, with health being less influential when choosing where to eat. 

Despite this, most young people recognised the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and associated it with both physical health and, in some cases, mental wellbeing. Many were aware of healthier alternatives to fast food, such as sandwich shops, sushi and home-cooked meals, although some still identified traditional fast-food outlets as healthy alternatives. 

The survey found that young people would be more likely to choose healthier options if they were cheaper, tastier, easier to access and supported by better information about healthy eating. Some respondents also suggested that subsidised healthy food could encourage healthier choices.

Overall, the report concluded that young people are generally aware of the benefits of healthy eating but that efforts to promote healthier choices need to focus on affordability, taste, accessibility and education if they are to successfully compete with junk food.