Fast Food Chains Prominent In Areas By Schools, Analysis Finds

A new report by Bite Back and the University of Cambridge reveals that fast food chains are increasingly located near schools, with over 14 percent of primary and secondary schools having a fast food restaurant within 400 meters. This is especially prevalent in deprived areas where access to affordable and nutritious options is limited. The report highlights that companies like KFC, Subway, and Dominos have opened nearly 1,000 new locations near schools, with 76 percent of all Domino’s branches now within 400 meters of a school.

The study emphasizes that the presence of big food chain outlets near schools contributes to an environment that may encourage unhealthy dietary choices among young people. With cuts in youth services and young people feeling unsafe on the streets, fast food has become a cheap and convenient option for many children. The report calls for immediate regulatory action to counter the influence of fast food chains on young people's dietary habits and overall health.