UNICEF, Asian youths set for 'Fix my Food' campaign

• Published date: 10 March 2023
• Publication title: The Phnom Penh Post

UNICEF is concerned that traditional healthy fresh foods are being replaced by an increasing consumption of highly processed 'junk' food and drinks which are full of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.

Young people who demand healthier food environments in East Asia and the Pacific have worked with UNICEF to co-create and launch a campaign called 'Fix My Food'. The programme will be implemented in eight countries, including Cambodia.

UNICEF said in its recent statement that food systems in East Asia and the Pacific, known for its diverse and vibrant food culture, is changing rapidly.

The statemenet added that traditional healthy fresh food diets were being replaced by an increasing consumption of highly processed junk foods.

'Children across the region are growing up in food environments that promote the sale and consumption of these 'junk' foods and drinks, rather than healthier alternatives. As a result, more than one in three adolescents are drinking at least one sugary drink a day; more than half consume a fast-food once or more a week; and less than half, are eating enough fruit and vegetables every day,' it continued.

Debora Comini, regional director for UNICEF East Asia and Pacific said today's children and young people are surrounded by junk-food marketing wherever they go: online, on their way to school, college or university, on television, and even while standing in the checkout-line of the grocery store.

'The result is that too many children in East Asia and the Pacific have poor, unhealthy diets that are having a devastating impact on their health and well-being. It is about time that we changed this,' she added.

She said UNICEF have been working closely with governments and partners to introduce policies and legislation to curb the increase in marketing of unhealthy food and drink. This included mechanisms like bans on the advertising and sale of unhealthy foods in and around schools, clear front-of-pack...