Catholic Charities to take over Food Pantry from United Way

By Mary Hood (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Friday, June 27, 2008

NATCHEZ — For a while the Food Pantry was in dire straights — not anymore.

Though it’s not 100 percent official and awaits the bishop’s sign off, Catholic Charities is assuming ownership of the Food Pantry.

“We are kind of in the last lap shall you say in getting everything in line for us to assume responsibility,” said Catholic Charities Executive Director Martha Mitternight.

Both Mitternight and United Way Chairman Mike Gemmell agreed that the transfer is possible largely in part to Tony Scudiero, the Isle of Capri vice president and general manager.

“The calvary came and saved the day with a generous transfer grant to allow for a seamless transition,” Gemmell said. “Had it not been for Tony and the Isle of Capri, I would have closed the food pantry down Aug. 1, no doubt about it.”

Mitternight said there’s a certain amount of money that’s needed to kick off their ownership.

“We needed some start up money for things because we’ll be taking over the expenses,” she said, referring to utility bills and more.

Mitternight said Catholic Charities is also grateful to the Isle.

“We’re very grateful to them,” she said. “The Isle of Capri has always been a great supporter of the United Way and its different programs.”

With this money, the transition will be seamless, meaning at no point will the Food Pantry have to shut down operations.

“The ordinary person who comes to us needing food assistance won’t know that all of that has changed hands,” Mitternight said.

She said Catholic Charities is currently pounding out the details of the transfer.

This includes the transfer of the lease and the United Way moving out their equipment and furniture.

“It’s like any other thing, like when you sell your house,” she said. “You have all those little details that have to get worked through.”

Gemmell said anything Food Pantry related that belongs to the United Way will stay.

“We’re donating $80,000 in equipment,” he said of the fans, conveyor belts, safety harnesses and more.

The United Way will still work with the Food Pantry.

“We expect the United Way to be very involved in this,” Mitternight said. “We certainly want that and welcome that.”

Gemmell said nothing will change as far as administration, Tommy Jackson will remain on as the executive director and the staff will remain the same.

As far as the last detail of having the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson sign off on the transfer, Mitternight said it’s not going to stand in the way.

“It’s not a big hurdle,” she said.