HOUSTON – A Houston organization is expressing concern after they say a large amount of their food was thrown out ahead of a large food giveaway on Christmas Eve.
Houston Christmas Super Feast: Food tossed out
What they’re saying:
According to a statement from the City Wide Club of America, a “significant amount of food” was discarded on Tuesday night, one day before their Christmas Eve Super Feast.
The organization says the food was “discarded in the dumpster” after an inspection by representatives with the Houston Health Department (HHD). City Wide says their senior leadership was not aware of the inspection.
City Wide says the inspection has jeopardized the goal of the event, which was to feed about 30,000 attendees on Christmas Eve.
“This decision has put our ability to serve every family at serious risk,” said City Wide Club leadership. “At this moment, we are working urgently to determine whether we will be able to meet the needs of the tens of thousands of Houstonians who depend on this event every Christmas Eve.”
The club says it’s asking for the HHD to clarify why the food was thrown out, why City Wide Club leadership was not made aware, and whether the department followed correct protocols.
The other side:
FOX 26 has reached out to the Houston Mayor’s office for comment. A representative says the office is contacting the HHD for information and will have a response later on Tuesday evening.
Christmas Eve Super Feast 
Big picture view:
According to WonderGo Houston, the Christmas Super Feast is set to run Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
The City Wide Club holds annual Super Feasts for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. They are said to be the “nation’s largest feeding and turkey distribution” as thousands of families attended to receive meals.
This is a breaking news report. We will update when more information is available.
The Source: City Wide Club of America, Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s office, and WonderGo Houston.