NEWTOWN, Conn. – Students in thousands of schools across the country are celebrating National No One Eats Alone® Day today, a program created by the nonprofit Beyond Differences to end social isolation and help students get to know one another, so that every student feels like they belong.
This year, participation is at a record high with 3,300 schools, reaching more than 1.5 million students. No One Eats Alone Day press events took place at schools in New York City and Sacramento, Calif., on February 7. Press were invited to events held at schools in Lake Charles, Louisiana on February 12; in Chicago, New Orleans, and Miami on February 14; and in Cincinnati on February 21.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, social isolation and loneliness put a person at risk of developing serious mental and physical health conditions. Beyond Differences has been providing free Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum and programs to schools since it was founded in 2010. On September 16, 2024, Beyond Differences became part of Sandy Hook Promise. The integration brings together two youth-centered, national nonprofit organizations with aligned missions and complementary strengths – a win-win for youth across the country.
“Social isolation is a critical warning sign that can precede school shootings and violence,” said Nicole Hockley, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise. “By encouraging interpersonal connections and empowering students with the knowledge and skills to co-create a positive, welcoming school climate, we can make our schools, homes and communities safer and more supportive for our nation’s youth.”
How Does No One Eats Alone Day Work?
Participating schools receive a free Belonging Box, which includes in-class lesson plans on social isolation and actionable steps to cultivate belonging. The Belonging Box also includes a student leadership guide, conversation starters to help students connect with someone new, and materials for an art project that encourages students to build connections with their classmates. All student-facing materials are available in English and Spanish.
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During lunch, students are encouraged to meet someone new and complete a “Hearts and Hands” activity sheet. This interactive art activity prompts students to share unique things about themselves and discover common ground with others. Schools can display the completed sheets in a two-winged mural installation that doubles as a selfie photo opportunity for students.
“We’ve supported National No One Eats Alone Day for years because we know that social isolation significantly impacts a child’s mental health and well-being,” said Centene Foundation President Keith Williamson. “We are proud to provide resources that help students make meaningful connections, creating a positive ripple effect that strengthens relationships and enhances the mental health of the entire school community.”
In 2024, the Centene Foundation registered 443 schools across 12 states to participate in No One Eats Alone. Sandy Hook Promise sent more than 2,600 Belonging Boxes to schools in all 50 states as part of National No One Eats Alone Day. All Belonging Boxes are provided at no charge to schools. For more information, visit nooneeatsalone.org.
