(Ripley County, IN) – The Milan and Batesville varsity football teams raised more than $13-thousand during the 2024 season the Turnover Hunger program.
The funds support the Weekend Back Sack program, which sends a backpack of food home on weekends with students who are experiencing food insecurity.
For every turnover the two teams forced, fans were encouraged to make a monetary donation towards the program.
This season, the Indians forced 24 turnovers, while the Bulldogs forced 20. That led to $13,400 being collected.
The Ripley County Community Foundation, which administers the program, says $2,680 was distributed to each of the five Ripley County elementary schools – Batesville Primary, Jac-Cen-Del, Milan, South Ripley and Sunman elementaries.
The community foundation says 14.9-percent of children in Ripley County experience food insecurity, but enough funds were raised this season to feed around 200 students for a semester.
However, approximately 225 students need support from the program.
Although the football season is over, the fight against hunger continues. You can donate at https://rccfonline.org/impact/initiatives/turnover-hunger/.