United Way of Franklin and Ripley Counties give back to Turnover Hunger

Program helps provide nutritious meals to Ripley County students

(OSGOOD, Ind.) – The United Way of Franklin and Ripley Counties is getting involved in a program that helps children who are dealing with food insecurity. 

The Ripley County Community Foundation (RCCF) hosted the Turnover Hunger initiative during the South Ripley and Jac-Cen-Del game on February 28. 

The funds go toward the Weekend Backsack program, which provides a backpack of nonperishable, kid-friendly food for Ripley County students to ensure they have access to nutritious meals on weekends and school breaks. 

During the game, the United Way of Franklin and Ripley Counties presented a $5,000 check which matched contributions made by RCCF.

Fans in attendance were also encouraged to donate to the program and an additional $540 was raised.

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% 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 relies on community donations as it does not receive any school or state funding.

Turnover Hunger was started in 2017 between Batesville and Milan’s football teams.