Westside celebrates Melon Day with special label
Westside celebrates Melon Day with special label
Fresh off the celebration of Melon Day on Aug. 10, the Westside Produce/Classic Fruit alliance is excited to announce the launch of the JA17 Allen Family Farms melon label, a special project they have been working on with the Allen family. As growing partners for many years, Westside Produce and the Allens are thrilled to be able to bring 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, NY, a community-driven movement that supports pediatric healthcare through the leadership of football star Josh Allen.
“We have been growing cantaloupes for the Patricio Family and Westside Produce for almost 30 years,” said 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.”
“The Allens have always been easy to work with and were instrumental in the growth of our melon program," said Garrett Patricio, president of Westside Produce. "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 is important as it 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,” said Josh Allen of Allen Family Farms and professional quarterback.
Joel said, “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. 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.”
Patricio said, “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 New York has made to Josh and the entire Allen family.”
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,” said Stephen Turkovich, 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,” said Josh. “This is another opportunity to give back and make instant positive change in our community.” This promotion is designed to coincide with the start of football season, so expect to see the label hit shelves in early September.
