What Is Turnover Hunger?
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 has become a partnership between the Batesville and Milan Varsity Football Teams 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 2025, 13% of people in the county are facing food insecurity. This means that 1,080 children in Ripley County do not know when they will get their next meal.
How You Can Help
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. With a donation of just $20, you can provide a student with enough food to sustain them throughout an entire weekend. Get involved today! Together, we can ensure that every child in Ripley County has access to the food they need.
Donate to Turnover Hunger
Special Thanks to our 2026 Turnover Hunger Sponsors
Pick Six Sponsor – Larry and Nancy Reidy
Interception Sponsor – Gehring Inc.
During the 2025 football season, Batesville High School and Milan High School varsity football teams forced a combined 34 turnovers, generating an impressive $26,936 to help Turnover Hunger in Ripley County!
In February 2025, Jac-Cen-Del and South Ripley Varsity Basketball raised over $5,000 support Turnover Hunger.
In 2024, over $18,000 was raised during the football season.Â
In 2023, our efforts soared even higher, as we raised an impressive $32,825 thanks to some generous grants received.Â
In 2022, Turnover Hunger raised $13,500 in support of the Weekend Backsack Program benefiting 210 children over 18 weeks.
How Does Turnover Hunger Impact Our Schools?
