Why reshaping the food environment around children matters — and how the Real Food Rebellion is helping schools take action.
The rising childhood obesity crisis demands action, and we're ready to lead the charge through the Real Food Rebellion. We aim to empower 5,000 children, young people, and their families across the UK to embrace healthy food choices, paving the way for better physical and mental health.
Childhood obesity in the UK is escalating at an alarming rate. In 2019/20, 23% of children aged 4–5 were overweight or obese, rising to 35% for those aged 10–11. Those from the most deprived backgrounds are disproportionately affected, with severe obesity rates five times higher than their wealthier peers. This epidemic contributes to complex health issues, including early-onset type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and declining mental health.
Real Food Rebellion is a schools-based programme developed by registered charity Public Health Collaboration and co-designed with leading nutrition experts. It was pre-piloted successfully in five primary and secondary schools and combines interactive multimedia resources like real food recipes with engaging lessons to raise awareness and understanding of ultra-processed foods and real food choices.
Our goals for 2025 include delivering the programme to 30+ schools and 5,000 children, young people, and families; equipping 2,000 parents and carers with the knowledge and confidence to make healthier food choices; and measuring impact in collaboration with Wolverhampton University to refine the programme for a 2026 UK-wide rollout.
Our work will empower children and their families to make healthier choices, resulting in improved physical and mental health for 3,000 children and young people; 90% of participants reporting increased knowledge and confidence around real food; 2,000 young participants adopting healthier eating habits; 60% of schools reporting improvements in attendance, behaviour, and engagement; and reduced pressure on the NHS from preventable metabolic conditions.
Dr Campbell Murdoch, NHS General Practitioner, highlights the urgency of tackling obesity: 'In the UK, patient needs and healthcare demands relating to conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity are overwhelming. Programmes like Real Food Rebellion offer significant hope for the population.' Garath Rawson, Principal of Doncaster University Technical College, adds: 'I'm proud Doncaster UTC is part of Real Food Rebellion. Educating young people and their families to reduce ultra-processed food consumption can improve life chances and educational outcomes.'
Real Food Rebellion is not only a schools-based programme; it's a movement to safeguard the future health and wellbeing of the next generation. We invite schools, families, communities and businesses to join us in reversing childhood obesity. Together, let's spark a Real Food Rebellion!
