Batesville, Milan Football Teams Partner with RCCF to "Turnover Hunger"

Funds raised from the program were distributed to Ripley County Elementary Schools this month.

Photo provided.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - The Batesville High School and Milan High School varsity football teams forced a combined 34 turnovers during the 2025 football season, generating an impressive $26,936 to Turnover Hunger in Ripley County. Turnover Hunger is an initiative of the Ripley County Community Foundation that partners with local football teams in their efforts to give back to their communities.

On January 16, players, coaches, and community foundation staff gathered to present $3,640 each to Batesville Primary School, Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School, Milan Elementary School, South Ripley Elementary School, and Sunman Elementary School. This funding will support the Weekend Backsack Program, which sends a backpack of kid-friendly, non-perishable food home with students who are experiencing food insecurity on weekends. The remaining dollars have been added to the Turnover Hunger Endowment Fund to sustain the program for future generations.

This achievement reflects not only athletic talent, but genuine compassion. The Ripley County Community Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to the athletes and coaches whose commitment, teamwork, and kindness are making a direct impact on their peers. Their willingness to look beyond the scoreboard and mascots to invest in their community embodies the very best of high school athletics.

Over 1,000 Ripley County Children are Food Insecure

According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap 2023, 1,080 children in Ripley County—15.7% of all children—are food insecure, and 37% of them are likely ineligible for federal nutrition programs due to household income levels. While this football season has come to a close, the fight against hunger continues. With an average meal costing just $4, every donation counts in helping our kids thrive.

In Ripley County, the Weekend Backsack Program relies solely on charitable donations, which is why Coaches Ulery (Batesville) and Langferman (Milan) dedicated the 2025 football season to Turnover Hunger. Coach Langferman shared, “By tackling hunger together, we’re not just feeding children—we’re nourishing hope, ambition, and a brighter future.” Coach Ulery added, “I am proud of our community and this program for the continued growth and impact.”

South Ripley Elementary School Principal Ryan Lauber emphasized the importance of these efforts: “Without these funds, many of our students would go all weekend without anything to eat… To see athletes from our local community working together toward a common goal of feeding others is inspiring. I encourage others to reach out to the Ripley County Community Foundation and find a way to help this cause. These students are our future, and they cannot reach their potential if they are always hungry.”

Let’s keep the momentum going. Hunger doesn’t end when football season does, and neither should our commitment to helping local children thrive. Community members and other high school teams are invited to join the Turnover Hunger movement. 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 all children, who have no control over the food that is in their homes, have access to nutritious foods over the weekends. Showcase your team’s commitment to the community and demonstrate to your players, fans, and the entire community that your team values giving back and supporting those in need.

You can invest in local children, by making a gift to the Turnover Hunger Endowment Fund. Your support means so much—and this year, it goes even further. Thanks to a special matching opportunity through Lilly Endowment, Inc., every $1 you contribute is matched with an additional $2, tripling the impact of your generosity. Because of you, we are able to expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and serve more individuals and families across our community.

Donate by visiting the Ripley County Community Foundation website at www.rccfonline.orgcalling 812-933-1098, or by stopping in at the Foundation office located at 13 E. George Street, Ste. B, Batesville, IN 47006. This is just one more way that the Ripley County Community Foundation is Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter!