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 the negative impacts of social isolation include increased rates of academic failure, truancy and increased risks of adverse medical outcomes, including anxiety, depression and self-harm.
Since 2017, the Centene Foundation has been a proud sponsor of No One Eats Alone, a national program offered through Beyond Differences, a nonprofit that aims to end social isolation and create cultures of belonging among students. No One Eats Alone 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. More than 2,500 schools sign up annually to bring this program to their students. In 2024, Centene participated in a drive to increase school participation in No One Eats Alone Day. As a result, Centene registered 443 schools in 12 states – a 108 percent increase in the number of schools from the year prior.
The Centene Foundation sponsors No One Eats Alone to support children through strong community-based programs and to make a positive difference in the lives of children across the nation. Roughly one million students participate in program activities each year that teach them about social isolation and how to make their school more welcoming and accepting for everyone.
A care package for students, filled with materials and activities, sponsored by Beyond Differences and the Centene Foundation.