Tops partnership stretches from the farm to the football field
Tops partnership stretches from the farm to the football field
To kick off what western New Yorkers are already crowning a victory season, Tops Friendly Markets is teaming up with the Allen Family to bring fresh, sweet flavor — and community impact — to customers.
Beginning this season, participating Tops locations will feature Allen Family Farms cantaloupes and honeydew melons, with a portion of sales supporting the Patricia Allen Fund at Oishei Children’s Hospital. These delicious melons can be found displayed in the iconic JA17 boxes in the heart of the produce department.
“Bringing these melons to our stores is about more than taste,” said Jeff Cady, vice president of produce and floral for Tops Markets. “It’s about strengthening the community and supporting the children and families who need it most at a hospital we’re incredibly fortunate to have right in our own backyard.”
For more than three decades, the Allen family has cultivated melons in California’s Central Valley, carrying on a proud tradition started by previous generations. Joel and Lavonne Allen raised their children among the rows, teaching the value of perseverance, quality and care for the land. Today, those lessons are reflected in the new JA17 Allen Family Farms label, a brand that celebrates both family roots and excellence on the field through their son, Buffalo’s own No. 17.
The JA17 label stands as a symbol of heritage and purpose. Just as Buffalo’s favorite quarterback’s dedication has inspired fans across Buffalo and beyond, the family’s melons are known for their consistency and flavor. With every purchase at Tops, customers are helping support the Patricia Allen Fund, which invests in advanced equipment, family programs and access to top-tier pediatric care at Oishei Children’s Hospital.
“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.”
Tops said it is proud to be part of this initiative, connecting farm-fresh produce to a cause that matters deeply to western New York. This partnership also builds on our favorite quarterback’s broader advocacy for healthier lifestyles, which includes his national partnership with Wonderful Pistachios.
