Fostering Inclusive Environments at School and Addressing Social Isolation

Students proudly pose after participating in their school’s ‘No One Eats Alone’ day activities, promoting inclusivity and friendship. 

Studies indicate that social isolation can negatively impact children and teen’s physical health, mental health and academic performance, leading to increased rates of academic failure, truancy and increased risks of adverse medical outcomes, including anxiety, sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, depression and self-harm. 

Since 2017, the Centene Foundation has been a proud sponsor of No One Eats Alone, a national program created by Beyond Differences, a nonprofit that aims to end social isolation and create cultures of belonging among students. No One Eats Alone Day encourages students to make new friends at lunch through community-building activities that help them get to know one another and include students who are being left out. 

In 2025, the partnership resulted in 3,300+ school registrations with participation across all 50 states, including more than 1,200 cities from coast to coast. Overall, 1.5 million students were reached to address social isolation and promote inclusivity. The partnership allows schools to receive the curriculum and materials in a Belonging Box at no charge. 

​​On September 16, 2024, Beyond Differences became part of the nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise. The integration brings together two youth-centered, national organizations with aligned missions and complementary strengths – a win-win for youth across the country.