California Students Build a Culture of Belonging Through National No One Eats Alone® Day Thanks to Health Net & The Centene Foundation

Date: 02/14/25

More than 1.5 million students nationwide to participate in this year's event

Sacramento, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2025) – Health Net, one of California's most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans and company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is proud to support No One Eats Alone^® Day, a prevention initiative aimed at fostering inclusion to end social isolation and help students get to know one another, so that every student feels like they belong. California schools will host events, with the help of Health Net. National No One Eats Alone Day is February 14, 2025. Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, sponsors the events.

"It's our mission to transform the health of the community and that means caring for California's most vulnerable residents, which includes our youth," said Dorothy Seleski, senior vice president for Medi-Cal at Health Net. "We are honored to support No One Eats Alone Day and its mission to end social isolation. By fostering stronger connections among students and promoting a sense of belonging, we can help ensure they feel seen, supported and included."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, social isolation and loneliness put a person at risk of developing serious mental and physical health conditions. Peer-to-peer support programs help build connection, self-esteem and a culture of belonging at schools, which underscores why, each year, schools nationwide and in many countries around the world celebrate National No One Eats Alone Day.

"Health Net is helping address social isolation in our schools, creating a brighter, healthier future for our communities," said County of Sacramento Supervisor Patrick Kennedy. "As leaders, it is our responsibility to encourage initiatives that strengthen the well-being of our youth. National No One Eats Alone Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of belonging and connection."

"Today's youth represent the leaders of tomorrow, and it's crucial that we continue to promote inclusion and connection to help them thrive," said Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education Member Taylor Kayatta. "I commend Health Net for partnering with local schools to host events that empower students and foster a strong sense of belonging."

The nonprofit organization Beyond Differences established No One Eats Alone as an initiative to end social isolation and has been providing free Social Emotional Learning 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."

Participating schools will 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.

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 will send more than 3,200 Belonging Boxes to schools in all 50 states, reaching over 1.5 million students on National No One Eats Alone Day. All Belonging Boxes are provided at no charge to schools.