Alton College recently hosted the 2026 Young ACAN Conference, bringing together hundreds of local school pupils, from nursery age to Year 8, for a vibrant, hands-on day of learning about sustainable food and climate action,
Organised by the Alton Climate Action Network (ACAN), the annual conference aims to nurture climate awareness from a young age by providing young people with fun activities and practical tools, as well as space to collaborate.
Alton College is very proud of its long-standing partnership with ACAN and local schools, which has made a real difference in the lives of young people in Alton and the surrounding areas for years. Many Alton College students have become Ambassadors for ACAN, enriching their learning whilst allowing the organisation to continue to thrive.
This year’s theme for the conference was ‘Eating for our Planet’, a message that encouraged the pupils to explore where food comes from, how food choices and production can affect the environment, as well as providing advice on what everyone can do to reduce waste and support a healthier planet.
Emma Jones, who represented ACAN at the conference, said:
“We want young people to feel confident and empowered when it comes to caring for the planet. This conference is a chance for students to come together, learn and sow the seeds of long-lasting climate awareness.”
The day featured a wide range of creative and thought-provoking workshops run by members of the local community, each one designed to highlight a different aspect of sustainable eating. Pupils took part in plant-based milk tasting, comparing flavours and exploring lower-impact dairy alternatives, as well as introducing themselves to seasonal food and how in-season produce can benefit the environment.
The conference also hosted a visit from the Milk Club, sharing how dairy milk moves from farm to fridge through the supply chain, whilst Sustainabites visited to raise awareness of the scale of food waste and what you can do at home to cut it down.
There was also a collaborative banner-making project led by Alton College textiles lecturer Lizzie Henley, where students from Years 7 and 8 at Eggar’s School helped to design and create a display celebrating sustainable and fresh food. This project involved the students using real vegetables to help with their tracing, making it a very unique addition to the day!
Hosting the Youth ACAN Conference once again highlights Alton’s tradition of offering space, expertise and enthusiasm to initiatives that strengthen community resilience and inspire the next generation. This event was future-focused, ensuring that children were provided with the opportunity to gain the confidence, skills and environmental consciousness needed to thrive in the future.
As HSDC looks ahead, its commitment remains clear and steady. By continuing to host and support events like the Young ACAN Conference, the College demonstrates its belief in stable, long-term partnerships, a strong educational vision and a future in which students are empowered to shape their communities, and the planet, for the better.
