The board overseeing the Natchez Food Pantry voted Tuesday to turn over governance of the agency to United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou.

The change provides more security for the food pantry, which opened in the fall to provide food to families in need.

In dissolving the pantry board, made up mostly of members of the Natchez Ministerial Alliance and representatives of area churches, the group gave up its authority to operate the pantry and agreed to cancel its bylaws.

In a unanimous vote, the nine voting members present also agreed to become an advisory committee to United Way on food pantry matters.

“We are fast approaching a time when operational expenses will exceed income,” said Matilda Stephens, chairman of the pantry board.

“We still have plenty of money to buy food. It’s operational expenses that are low.”

The pantry has operated using grants from United Way and depending on donations, mostly from churches. Donations are not keeping up with expenses needed, and soon will run out, said Maria Bowser, chairman of the United Way board.

Stephens said the food pantry, heavily promoted by the Ministerial Alliance, was expected to become independent from United Way. That was not happening.

“The food pantry is still very much dependent on United Way,” Stephens said. “But there are two layers of boards of directors. The chain of command is not clear.”

The Rev. Bo Swilley said the United Way oversight is a step in the right direction.

“Going under the umbrella of the United Way gives us more flexibility and puts us under the auspices of a national organization and under their liability umbrella, too,” he said.

“To me the major concern is to keep the doors open,” Swilley said. “Last month we fed 450 people. We have to make this work.”

Kathy Stephens, United Way executive director, said the pantry must have a “strategic plan on how we’re going to operate in the future.”

Bowser volunteered to work with members of the new advisory committee to see that a “workable structure is put in place so United Way can be the clear governing board and this board an advisory board.”

She said the new plan will protect Theresa Beach, food pantry director, and provide her a chance to do what she does best.

“Theresa could shine in bringing in more congregations as volunteers and in getting more donations,” Bowser said. “The passion I see in Theresa is incredible. She needs all the support she can get.”

The United Way board meets this week and will discuss the turnover further, Bowser said.

“I see this advisory (committee) evolving into a real working group that would grow the vision as well as the funding for the food pantry,” Bowser said.