Melon Day got an extra dose of sweetness this year as Westside Produce and Classic Fruit rolled out a special JA17 Allen Family Farms label.
As growing partners with Allen Family Farms for many years, Westside Produce and the Allens are bringing this limited-edition label to market with a portion of the proceeds going toward the Patricia Allen Fund at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y., a community-driven movement that supports pediatric healthcare through the leadership of football star Josh Allen, according to a news release.
“We have been growing cantaloupes for the Patricio Family and Westside Produce for almost 30 years,” says Joel Allen of Allen Family Farms. “We quickly realized how family-oriented they were and how invested they were in their growers, so it was easy for us to find a permanent home for our fruit with them all those years ago.”
Garrett Patricio, president of Westside Produce adds: “The Allens have always been easy to work with and were instrumental in the growth of our melon program. They are more than just partners, they are family, so we are thrilled to be able to do this amazing project with them.”
This label stands for more than just a commodity.
“This is such an awesome moment for my family and I, generations in the making, and I’m so proud to be a part of this with them,” says Josh Allen of Allen Family Farms and professional quarterback.
“This has been a dream of mine as it represents hard work, perseverance and the belief that farmers play a vital role in today’s world,” Joel adds. “These ideologies parallel with my son, Josh, and his commitment to football, so we are proud to offer this box as a reminder of that while also offering a great tasting, wholesome fruit that is beneficial to consumers.”
“This label is our opportunity to share a legacy, Firebaugh-grown product with the market that has adopted one of our own and honor the commitment that Western NY has made to Josh and the entire Allen Family,” Patricio added.
As part of this project, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Patricia Allen Fund at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.
“The entire Allen Family has been incredibly generous in supporting our children’s hospital in any way they can since Josh has been in Buffalo, and especially since the Patricia Allen Fund was established in his grandmother’s honor,” says Stephen Turkovich, MD, president of Oishei Children’s Hospital. “We are thrilled to have Westside Produce incorporating a donation to the fund. Donations like this help our teams have the equipment, technology and programs needed to support the kids and families we care for.”
“OCH and the Patricia Allen Fund is something that I hold near and dear to my heart,” says Josh Allen. “This is another opportunity to give back and make instant positive change in our community.”
The promotion is designed to coincide with the start of football season, so expect to see the label hit shelves in early September, the release says.
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