Victorian kids can’t escape junk food ads on public transport

Of food and drink advertisements found on government-controlled public transport across Victoria, nearly 6 in 10 (58%) promoted unhealthy junk foods.

Fast food meals, sugary drinks, desserts, and confectionary were among the unhealthy products being advertised on routes to and from 50 Victorian schools, linking major train stations including Flinders Street, Clayton, Dandenong, Sunshine, Essendon, and Bendigo.

From stations to schools

A staggering 9 in 10 (91%) food ads located within 500m of schools promoted unhealthy food and drinks rather than healthier food options. However, outside of this radius a much smaller proportion (57%) of food ads promoted unhealthy options.

The highest proportion of junk food ads were found on tram stops (44%), followed by buses (29%), inside train stations (16%) and on bus shelters (11%).

Cancer Council Victoria CEO, Todd Harper, announced the launch of a new wave of its ‘Food Fight’ campaign today, advocating for junk food ads to be removed from public transport, transport infrastructure (train stations and bus shelters) and within 500m of schools in Victoria.

“This harmful marketing has a powerful influence, shaping what our kids eat, ask for, and spend their pocket money on,” Mr Harper says.

“It’s alarming to think our kids are bombarded with at least 25 of these unhealthy ads daily.”

“While industry profits from every junk food ad placed and product sold, it’s our children’s health that pays the ultimate price.”

Join the Food Fight

Healthy eating is a cornerstone of maintaining a healthy weight, which helps to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Research shows 80% of Victorian parents are in favour of government action to remove unhealthy food and drink ads near schools, and 66% support action to remove these ads from public transport.

Since launching in 2022, more than 10,000 Victorians and over 40 public health and community organisations have thrown their support behind Food Fight.

Around the world, places like Amsterdam, London and Canberra have removed junk food ads from government public transport assets.

Victorians are being urged to sign up to Food Fight and take actions to support the campaign, including writing to their local MP, photographing unhealthy food ads they see on public transport or at stops, and sharing their support on social media.

Visit www.cancervic.org.au/foodfight to learn more and get involved.