No One Eats Alone: Fostering Supportive Environments at School and Addressing Social Isolation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social isolation can negatively affect youth physical health, mental health, and academic performance. Disconnected students face increased risks of: 

• Academic failure and truancy 

• Anxiety and depression 

• Sleep disorders 

• Cardiovascular disease 

• Self‑harm 

Creating welcoming school environments that promote connection and belonging is an important part of supporting student well‑being. To help address these challenges, the Centene Foundation supports community‑based efforts that strengthen peer connection and a sense of belonging in schools. 

Since 2017, the Centene Foundation has supported No One Eats Alone®, a national program led by Sandy Hook Promise. This program helps schools: 

• Encourage peer connection 

• Build welcoming school environments 

• Support students who may feel left out 

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. 

In 2026, Centene’s partnership resulted in more than 5,000 school registrations and over three million students participating nationwide. Several of Centene’s health plans have been running local events for close to a decade. This year, participating plans included WellCare of Kentucky, Superior HealthPlan, and Coordinated Care.