Overview

• Co-op, Barnardo’s and consumer group Which? sent a joint letter to the environment secretary asking for action so 16- and 17-year-olds can access supermarket loyalty deals.
• Most major food retailers restrict loyalty schemes to over-18s, while some chains including Co-op, Boots and Superdrug already permit teenage membership, according to Which?.
• Co-op says its data show lunchtime meal deals are the top purchase for 16- and 17-year-old members and estimates average savings of about £60 a year for those who join.
• The push builds on Barnardo’s ‘Recipe For Success’ report with Co-op, which recommended changing scheme terms so teenagers can buy discounted food.
• Barnardo’s research found nearly one in four secondary and college-aged students struggle to access healthy food, highlighting the stakes for young people’s budgets.