United Way Matches RCCF Donation to Turnover Hunger Program

Funds were raised during the South Ripley/JCD boys basketball game on Feb. 28.

Photo provided.

(Osgood, Ind.) - The United Way of Franklin and Ripley Counties presented a check at the South Ripley vs. Jac-Cen-Del boys varsity basketball game on February 28.

This generous donation is a match to the Ripley County Community Foundation contribution. Fans in attendance were encouraged to donate to the program and an additional $540 was raised.

“Food insecurity effects over 1,000 children in Ripley County and our desire is to work collaboratively to reduce that number. Turnover Hunger is doing great things in Ripley County. One of our board members is a teacher at South Ripley and she shared this story: A student of hers that receives a backsack of food every weekend came up and asked her where it came from. She explained to her where the food came from and her student said to thank them because her mom has trouble paying bills and they don’t always have food.”

The Turnover Hunger program began at the Ripley County Community Foundation in 2017 when the Batesville High School football coach wanted to teach the value of “giving back to your community” to the players. For every turnover the defense forces during a game, fans can make donation to “Turnover Hunger” which supports the Weekend Backsack Program. This program sends a backpack of nonperishable, kid-friendly food home with students at our five local elementary schools: Batesville Primary School, Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School, Milan Elementary School, South Ripley Elementary School, and Sunman Elementary School to ensure nutrition on weekends and school breaks. Since then, Turnover Hunger became a partnership between the Batesville and Milan Varsity Football Teams; Jac-Cen-Del Varsity Baseball and Softball joined with Strike Out Hunger in 2024; and in 2025 Jac-Cen-Del and South Ripley Varsity Basketball have joined in the effort to feed these children.

According to Gleaners, Ripley County has some of the highest food insecurity rates across their 21 county service area, revealing that in 2023, around 13 percent of the county is facing food insecurity. This means that 1,010 children in Ripley County do not know when they will get their next meal.

The Weekend Backsack Program does not receive school/state funding, so this program relies on private donations from the community! Every donation towards this program allows us to support these children and provide them essential nutrition crucial for their well-being and success. For more information visit the RCCF website!