As the initial contract period for the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program drew to a close on June 30, media continued to scrutinize the winner of one of the largest contracts, San Antonio-based wedding planner CRE8AD8.
According to media reports, the company came up short of its $39 million obligation under the contract, a claim that the company, and its CEO, are denying on social media.
A series of articles published by San Antonio news outlets called into question the company’s credentials and shortcomings, quoting food banks across the region including the San Antonio Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, and the West Texas Food Bank, which expected loads from CREA8AD8, and did not receive them.
Other news outlets reported the company delivered less than half of its obligations.
The company has responded to allegations on its social media outlets, with strongly-worded responses to critics, saying they are “misinformed” and that it is “almost done” and has “just a few trucks left for this phase.”
“We are serving 7 states, dozens of non-profits & already millions of people.”
“You think local news will deter or stop is (sic) from success? Think again. We’ve actually won more business due to all this.”
The USDA has announced extensions and new awards for the next round of the program, and CRE8AD8 is not on the official list of renewals.
