On a VA/AS nonstop flight PSP-JFK in May of 2018, I was upgraded to the last remaining seat in First. Shortly before door closing FA announced that catering had "forgotten" to load food for First. She was very apologetic and approached each of us (Airbus configured for 8 in First) and asked what we would like so it could be obtained before being offered for sale in Y. A few people were unhappy, but she handled it well. Most requested only one item and a few nothing. When the food came, she offered those who had ordered a couple of items (in my case a cold turkey sub and the cheese plate). I have no idea if the gate agents knew about the catering issue as nothing was said when they offered the First boarding pass at the gate, but all in all seemed like a much better approach.