Knoxville Schools will be participating in “No-one Eats Alone Day” next week.

District Child Nutrition Coordinator Jule Miller tells KNIA/KRLS News social isolation is a problem schools need to tackle head-on. She says the middle school environment can be a hard place to make new friends. Throughout the week, activities, posters and decorations will encourage students to reach out to those who may be isolated from social groups. During all three sections of lunch on Friday, February 10, students will be encouraged to sit in places they normally wouldn’t, playing get to know you games and using conversation starters to engage with someone new. Knoxville Middle School will be one of 700 schools around the nation participating in activities during the week.