NATIONAL NO ONE EATS ALONE DAY
On an early Friday in February, lunchrooms across America have accepted the mission started by National No One Eats Alone Day.
#NoOneEatsAloneDay
No One Eats Alone is a positive initiative from the nonprofit Beyond Differences aimed at creating a lunchtime of inclusion. Organized by students for students, middle schools across the nation look beyond differences and find ways to start conversations at lunchtime – with everyone. No one eats alone.
That means every student in every lunchroom across the country will be eating with someone else. Students have taken up the charge to see to it that they invite other students to join them. They are making room. Filling empty seats or filling tables that were once occupied by only one student. They’re starting conversations, closing the divide, and sitting with others. And they’re getting to know people across the table. No matter their differences, no matter what, no one eats alone.
HOW TO OBSERVE NO ONE EATS ALONE DAY
- Join the movement. If your school doesn’t participate, encourage them to start.
- Create an inclusive lunchroom at your school and encourage each other to engage in positive conversations.
- Try these ice breakers:
- Start with a joke.
- Offer a compliment.
- Find something in common.
- Ask for an opinion about an assignment.
- Mention a movie you saw this weekend.
- Tell a funny story about yourself.
- Talk about the menu – especially your favorite foods.
- Bring a card game to play.
- Educators, visit the National Day Calendar® Classroom for lessons and ideas.
- Find out more at No One Eats Alone and use #NoOneEatsAloneDay to share on social media.
NO ONE EATS ALONE DAY HISTORY
No One Eats Alone FAQ
Q. Can anyone participate on this day?
A. While No One Eats Alone Day was created by students for students, that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate this positive celebration into your everyday life.
Q. Do all 50 states celebrate?
A. Yes. Schools in all 50 states celebrate this day.
