(Ripley County, IN) – The Batesville and Milan High School varsity football teams are once again teaming up with the Ripley County Community Foundation for a vital fundraising initiative: Turnover Hunger.
What is Turnover Hunger?
Turnover Hunger is a partnership between the Batesville and Milan varsity football teams who dedicate their season to placing healthy food into the hands of hungry elementary school students. Through the 2025 football season, every turnover forced by either team, with your contribution, will translate into donations for the Weekend Backsack Program. This program provides elementary school students in Ripley County facing food insecurity with a backpack of kid-friendly, non-perishable food for the weekend. In Ripley County, the Weekend Backsack Program is run in partnership with local schools, relies on volunteers and charitable donations, and aims to reduce hunger-related absences and behavioral issues, ultimately helping children focus on learning.
Milan head football coach Ryan Langferman stated, “Milan football is once again proud to partner with the Ripley County Community Foundation and Batesville Football for this unique fundraising effort. This marks the fifth season that the Milan Indians have joined the fight to Turnover Hunger in our county, and we’re proud to know our efforts make a meaningful difference. Together through the Turnover Hunger Program, we’re helping ensure no child in Ripley County has to worry about their next meal, allowing them to focus on learning and growing.”
Over 1,000 Ripley County children are food insecure
According to Feeding America, the largest nationwide network of food banks and pantries dedicated to providing food to those in need, Ripley County has some of the highest food insecurity rates in Southeasten Indiana. As of 2023, there are over 1,010 children in Ripley County that do not know when they will get their next meal. What is most alarming is that 41% of these children reside in households that don’t qualify for federal nutrition programs. These are the “working poor”—families who earn too much to receive government assistance but not enough to consistently afford the basic necessity of food. The consequences of childhood hunger are profound. A hungry child can’t focus in the classroom, thrive on the playground, or build the foundation for a healthy future. Their hunger is a call to action for every one of us to ensure no child in our community is left behind.
Batesville head football coach Evan Ulery states, “The Turnover Hunger program continues to grow and make a real difference for families in our community. We are proud to be a part of this awesome program that means more than just football—it’s about serving a larger purpose and helping others. The support from our community is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together.”
You can join the effort
You may pledge an amount for every turnover forced, or you may make a flat donation in support of each team’s effort. At the end of the season, all pledges will be collected, and donations will be granted to support the Weekend Backsack Program at Batesville Primary and Intermediate schools, Jac-Cen-Del Elementary school, Milan Elementary school, South Ripley Elementary school, and Sunman Elementary school. This is a fantastic opportunity to: Make a positive impact: By working together, we can significantly increase donations to the Weekend Backsack program and ensure more children have access to nutritious foods over the weekends.
Showcase your team’s commitment to the community: Demonstrate to your players, fans, and the entire community that your team values giving back and supporting those in need. Create a fun and competitive environment: Transform turnovers into a way to raise even more money for a worthy cause, adding a new layer of excitement to the rivalry between teams.
Contribute today at www.rccfonline.org where all donations make a difference, just $20 will feed a child all weekend. Let’s feed these children, to create a brighter future.
The Ripley County Community Foundation is committed to Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter and is located at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville. To learn how you
can invest in the future of Ripley County, or to leave your legacy, contact the Ripley County Community Foundation at (812) 933-1098 or visit www.rccfonline.org.
(Ripley County Community Foundation press release)
