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Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School and Sunshine Health Celebrate National No One Eats Alone Day

Date: 02/22/19

Jacksonville, Florida

A positive prevention initiative designed to promote inclusion in middle schools was celebrated at Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School on Feb. 11.

Representatives from Sunshine Health hosted an assembly in honor of National No One Eats Alone® Day, created by the non-profit Beyond Differences™. Students participated in activities designed to teach them about social isolation and the negative impact it can have on a student’s health and academic performance. They then demonstrated inclusion and sat with students at lunch who they don’t know, or who may feel left out. They were given icebreaker topics to discuss to highlight their commonalities.

Social isolation affects millions of students and has been identified as a precursor to bullying, self-harm and community violence. Students have shown that if they are given the tools, they will stand up for others as empathetic and caring activists, not passive bystanders.

“We are proud to help bring awareness to social issues that affect students in Florida,” says Sunshine Health CEO Chris Coffey. “By encouraging inclusiveness, we’re building a larger network of support around every child.”

“Social isolation is a preventable public health problem,” says Laura Talmus, co-founder and executive director of Beyond Differences. “We’ve learned through teachers and families that No One Eats Alone Day is a powerful step and positive initiative that can change the culture in schools to be a more welcoming place for all.”

Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School was one of more than 2,250 schools across the country that celebrated National No One Eats Alone Day. The initiative reached more than 1 million students in all 50 states. No One Eats Alone Day is sponsored by the Centene Charitable Foundation. 

Tonda Williams, a Sunshine Health Provider Partnership Specialist, visits with two Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School students during No One Eats Alone Day at the school in Jacksonville.