Leighton Buzzard palm oil petition heroes nominated for award

Asha and Jia Kirkpatrick inspired the nation after they launched a petition in 2018 to persuade Kellogg’s to use sustainable palm oil.

The petition currently has 832,055 signatures, and since its launch, Kellogg’s has appointed an NGO [independent non-government organisation] to be its eyes and ears; if a mill is non-compliant, Kellogg’s will stop using the entire company, not just that mill.

Due to their achievements, the girls are now in the Young Hero category of the awards.

Four finalists will be selected in each and the winner will be announced in October.

Asha, 12, said: “We are honoured to be part of the Brave Britons Young Hero category and are so grateful to whoever nominated us for it.”

Jia, 10, said: “We are delighted to be considered for this amazing award.”

The girls hope to hold a Zoom meeting with Kellogg’s soon. Kate Prince, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Kellogg’s said: “We’re delighted to hear that Asha and Jia have reached the top ten in the ‘Young Hero’ category and we truly admire the passion they have shown.’’

Kate Prince, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Kellogg’s said: ‘’We’re delighted to hear that Asha and Jia have reached the top ten in the ‘Young Hero’ category and we truly admire the passion they have shown in their ambition to drive change.

“We have kept in regular touch with them since we initially met back in 2018 and we are looking forward to catching up with them again soon.’’