Sixth-formers could soon get fairer access to member-only prices. Co-op and children's charity Barnardo's have called on UK grocers to let 16-17 year olds join loyalty schemes in their own right, arguing that age-18 limits lock younger shoppers out of cheaper "member price" baskets at the till.
Co-op says it is currently the only national food retailer offering independent membership for 16-17-year-olds. This makes sense, given that 18+ year olds shop for food, particularly meal deals, which are a lunchtime staple for students nationwide.
Rachel continues to say “We see first-hand the volume of young people that come into our stores to buy food and drink, a number which increases during term times, as they depend on our stores during their studies. Research from Co-op has uncovered that 73% of 16 and 17-year-olds have chosen not to buy food or drink products from a retailer due to higher prices when not using a loyalty card.
The retailer says its young members save around £60 a year on average. Barnardo's chief executive, Lynn Perry, added that "nearly one in four secondary and college-aged students" struggle to access healthy food, urging rivals to expand discounts to under-18s.
Most big schemes still require you to be 18 to join. Tesco Clubcard terms state members must be 18+. Morrisons More also requires 18+ membership and recently tightened its rules from 16 to 18; myWaitrose is 18+. Sainsbury's Nectar says Primary Collectors must be over 18, but under-18s can be added as additional collectors on a parent/guardian's account (the adult remains responsible).
Note: Access to Your Nectar Prices requires the account holder to be 18+, but scanning that adult account at checkout unlocks members' pricing.
The campaign has been widely covered in national and retail press and follows a Co-op/Barnardo's policy push that began last year. The Independent reported that Co-op, Barnardo's and Which? have written to ministers seeking support to end under-18 exclusion in food retail.
Trade titles say the ask is straightforward: let 16-17s sign up independently so they're not paying more than adults for the same basket.
For money-savvy readers, the bottom line is practical. If you're under 18, use the existing routes (co-op membership or an adult Nectar/Clubcard scanned at checkout, as per scheme rules) while the sector decides whether to open up wider access. It's a small change that could cut the cost of lunches and top-ups throughout the term.
