More than 100 children and teenagers attended Eating for our Planet, the fourth annual Young ACAN Schools’ Eco Conference at Alton College.
It attracted participants from 14 educational establishments, including Bushy Leaze Nursery, Eggar’s School and Alton College, and aimed to educate them about eating healthily for themselves and the planet.
Launching the conference, Young ACAN lead and event organiser Emma Jones said: “The Young ACAN Schools’ Partnership is now into its third year and brings together all of our local schools.
“The impact of working together is huge, with a wonderful ripple effect of children sharing their knowledge of environmental issues such as food with their friends and families.”
Emma’s speech was followed by an interactive food quiz led by environmental scientist and educator Scott Gudrich, who also leads Young ACAN.
There were ten workshops led by local organisations, teachers and businesses, including Fill Up, Street Croft Farm, the Ministry of Eco Education and Young ACAN sponsor the Milk Club.
Mel Ford from Sustainabites led a workshop centred around a board game with questions about sustainable eating.
Mel said: “We were thrilled to be part of such a special event. It really filled us with hope and inspiration - and the kids were so impressive.”
The Smoothie Bike Company allowed children to discover how much energy was required to make a smoothie drink, and how delicious healthy eating was.
To conclude the day children shared their knowledge gained from the conference and thanked those who made it possible, including Alton College, Tom Moore from the Milk Club and East Hampshire district councillor Emily Young, who helped fund it.
The children will now organise whole-school food events at their schools to spread the word about sustainable and healthy eating.
Wootey Junior School teacher Joe Wallis said: “The children left really buzzing with ideas to take back to school.”
Emma Jones
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