No One Eats Alone: Fostering Supportive Environments at School and Addressing Social Isolation
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (), socialÌýisolation can negatively affectÌýyouthÌýphysical health, mental health, and academic performance. Disconnected students face increased risks of:Ìý
Academic failure and truancyÌý
Anxiety and depressionÌý
Sleep disordersÌý
Cardiovascular diseaseÌý
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CreatingÌýwelcomingÌýschool environments that promote connection and belonging is an important part of supporting student well‑being.ÌýTo help address these challenges, theÌýCentene FoundationÌýsupports community‑basedÌýefforts that strengthen peer connection andÌýaÌýsense of belongingÌýin schools.Ìý
Since 2017, theÌýCentene FoundationÌýhas supportedÌý, aÌýnationalÌýprogram led byÌý.ÌýThis programÌýhelps schools:Ìý
Encourage peer connectionÌý
Build welcoming schoolÌýenvironmentsÌý
Support students who may feel left outÌý
Schools also receive the No One Eats Alone curriculum and materials in a Belonging Box at no cost, supporting local efforts to create more welcoming and connected school communities.Ìý
In 2026,Ìý91̽»¨Ìýpartnership resulted in more than 5,000 school registrations and over three million studentsÌýparticipatingÌýnationwide. Several of 91̽»¨ health plans have been running local events for close to a decade. This year, participating plans includedÌý,Ìý, andÌý.Ìý
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The Centene Foundation continues to support education through programs like No One Eats Alone Day, helping students across the country learn valuable skills to connect with their classmates and provide a sense of belonging.
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A Belonging Box for schools, filled with materials and activities, is sponsored by the Centene Foundation.
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Last updated: April 17, 2026
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