The Parents Jury's Campaign

The Parents Jury is campaigning to reduce the number of supermarkets displaying unhealthy confectionery, snack foods and sugary soft drinks at their checkouts. We would like to see parents given a choice of at least 50 per cent of checkouts free from junk food.

Supermarket research project

The Parents Jury commissioned the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer at The Cancer Council Victoria, to conduct a research survey into the placement of confectionery and snack foods at supermarket checkouts in Melbourne. Twenty four supermarkets were selected randomly to participate in the survey and a field worker was sent to each one to conduct the research. The field worker recorded the type of food items displayed at each check-out, the height of placement and the marketing strategies used to promote the items. Findings were recorded in an observational record sheet and corroboration photographs taken.

The results of the survey were compiled into a report and presented to The Parents Jury in January 2005. Key findings from the report were published in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia (issue 2006:17). Read the article here.

The Parents Jury distributed a media release announcing the key findings of the survey and expressing the concerns of parents. The media pick-up on this issue was excellent and coverage included 23 radio interviews, four print articles and a story on Channel 7's Today Tonight program.

Supermarket correspondence

The Parents Jury sent a copy of the supermarket survey to the CEOs of the leading supermarket chains and called for a ban on the sale of confectionery and unhealthy snack foods at 50 per cent of checkout counters. Meetings were set up with representatives from Coles/BiLo, Ritchies and Foodworks supermarkets to discuss the issues. The concerns of the members of The Parents Jury were expressed and discussions took place regarding possible alternatives. The meetings were positive and convivial although none of the supermarkets would commit to any long term change. Coles has instigated trial confectionery-free checkouts in some supermarkets and are monitoring their success through store manager and customer feedback.

Member poll

In January 2006 The Parents Jury polled members asking about their preference for shopping at a supermarket that offered confectionery-free checkouts:

"Would you change from shopping at your usual supermarket if a rival supermarket had 50 per cent confectionery-free checkout aisles?"

• 72 per cent of parents who responded to the survey question would consider changing supermarkets.
• 28 per cent of parents who responded to the survey question would not consider changing supermarkets.
• Factors cited as important in deciding whether to change supermarkets were the convenience of the location, and the quality and range of products offered by the alternative supermarket.

We issued a media release with the results, announcing that "Parents support supermarket swap if checkouts go confectionery free". Once again, we got excellent media coverage on the issue including 22 radio interviews, 26 print articles and a story on channel 7's Today Tonight program.

To find out how you can participate in the campaign go to our Parent Action Ideas page.