According to the Indiana County Data Book, 690 children in Ripley County do not know when they will have their next meal. Additionally, 22% of those children live in households that do not qualify for Federal and State Nutrition Programs, further limiting access to food. However, the community is coming together to ensure no child goes hungry.

Batesville High School (BHS) and Milan High School (MHS) varsity football teams are dedicating the 2023 season to Turnover Hunger in all five elementary schools serving Ripley County.

Turnover Hunger is a program supported by the Ripley County Community Foundation (RCCF) that allows community members to make donations or pledges for every turnover the BHS and MHS varsity football teams force during the 2023 season. A dollar amount pledge can be made for every turnover forced, or a flat donation supporting each team's efforts can be made.

At the end of the season, all the funds raised will be given to Batesville Primary School, Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School, Milan Elementary School, South Ripley Elementary School and Sunman Elementary School to support the Weekend Back Sack Program. The program provides elementary school students who suffer from severe food insecurity with a backpack of kid-friendly, nonperishable food for the weekend. Local school administrators use the Weekend Backpack Program to feed children deemed the most in need by the school.

The Weekend Backpack Program relies solely upon charitable donations, one reason Coaches Ulery and Langferman have devoted the 2023 football season to Turnover Hunger. Through the Turnover Hunger initiative, the teams make an impact within their community through standout play on the football field.

 "The Turnover Hunger program is a win-win for our football program," said Milan High School's Head Varsity Football Coach, Ryan Langferman. "We always strive to create turnovers on defense, and with this program, we can also take pride in knowing that we are making a difference by providing a service to our local community and creating a valuable philanthropic experience for our players."

Batesville High School's Head Varsity Football Coach, Evan Ulery, shared how proud he is of the program's growth over the last two years. " I am proud that our program led the initiative, then with great leadership with the RCCF, we eventually added Oldenburg Academy and then Milan to team up with our cause. The growth from raising around $1500 year one to about $15,000 each of the past two years is amazing. These efforts have impacted not just Batesville kids but multiple school districts in the area. So, for our programs to not only help within our community but help plenty of other communities is a great precedent to set. Overall, I find the program simply has helped raise some awareness among our players, but also helped instill a value and desire to give back to the community."

To get involved by making a pledge or donation, contact a varsity football player at Batesville or Milan, visit www.rccfonline.org, call 812-933-1098, or stop by the Ripley County Community Foundation office located at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville.

This is just one more way that the Ripley County Community Foundation is Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter!