Batesville Schools, BCEF addressing food insecurity among students

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – The Batesville Community Education Foundation (BCEF) is working to address food insecurity concerns among high school students. 

BCEF led the efforts to create the Student Success Center at Batesville High School which serves as a wellness hub designed to support various needs of students. 

The Student Success Center opened this past semester and one issue that came to light was food insecurity. 

“With more students feeling comfortable visiting the SSC for their issues, we have realized that many students who present as emotionally dysregulated are experiencing food insecurity or lack access to essential hygiene items,” said BCSC wellness coordinator Lisa Tuveson. 

BCEF and school officials applied and have received a $2,500 grant from the Indiana Association of Public Education Foundations.

That grant will help fund improvements to the Student Success Center’s food pantry and meal support efforts, ensuring that students who are struggling emotionally have reliable access to nutritious meals and snacks during the school day.

BHS leaders say the initiative addresses a growing need among students who may experience food insecurity or limited access to healthy meals outside of school.

“Some arrive at school without breakfast, and occasionally without having eaten dinner the night before. Others struggle in the cafeteria environment due to sensory overload, social anxiety, or trauma-related triggers, making it difficult to access lunch in a traditional setting. When students’ basic needs are unmet, it becomes much harder for them to focus, regulate emotions, and engage academically,” Tuveson added. 

The enhanced program aims to reduce stigma, provide dignified access to food, and create a more supportive environment where students can focus on learning and personal success.

BCEF added that the food insecurity grant was made possible through sponsorship from construction management firm Fanning Howey and Garmong.

BCEF is a nonprofit organization that provides additional funding for innovative learning opportunities that go beyond the basics in academics, athletics, and the arts at the Batesville Community School Corporation.

To date, BCEF has awarded more than $1 million to BCSC through programs, grants, and student scholarships. 

More information about BCEF may be found online by clicking here.