California Students Foster Inclusion Through National No One Eats Alone Day Supported by Health Net

Building Culture of Belonging in California's Schools

On February 14, 2025, schools across California will unite to celebrate National No One Eats Alone® Day, an initiative designed to combat social isolation among students and promote a culture of inclusivity. This year's event is proudly supported by Health Net, one of California's leading Medi-Cal managed care health plans, and the philanthropic efforts of the Centene Foundation.

With over 1.5 million students anticipated to participate nationwide, California schools are gearing up for a day filled with activities aimed at connecting students and fostering friendships. Dorothy Seleski, Senior Vice President for Medi-Cal at Health Net, expressed their commitment to this important cause, stating, "It's our mission to transform community health, which includes caring for our youth. By promoting strong connections among students, we can ensure that they feel seen, supported, and included."

Social isolation is a serious concern highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which indicates that it can lead to significant mental and physical health challenges. Keeping this in mind, programs encouraging peer-to-peer interactions have been implemented in schools to build relationships and a culture of belonging. As County of Sacramento Supervisor Patrick Kennedy pointed out, "Health Net is addressing social isolation in our schools, creating a brighter, healthier future for our communities."

The initiative also shines a light on the importance of youth mental health and well-being, as Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education member Taylor Kayatta remarked, "Today's youth represent the leaders of tomorrow. It's crucial to promote inclusion and connection to help them thrive."

The nonprofit organization Beyond Differences, which started the No One Eats Alone initiative in 2010, has consistently aimed to end social isolation in schools. Recently, Beyond Differences merged with Sandy Hook Promise, a step that further enhances their mission by combining their strengths in youth engagement and safety initiatives. As Nicole Hockley, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, mentioned, "Social isolation is a critical warning sign that can precede violence. By fostering interpersonal connections, we can create safer environments for our youth."

Schools participating in National No One Eats Alone Day will receive a complimentary Belonging Box filled with resources designed to encourage discussions around social isolation and actionable steps to cultivate a sense of belonging. This includes in-class lesson plans, a student leadership guide, and materials for a collaborative art project to connect classmates.

During lunch on February 14, students will be invited to meet someone new and participate in a