Tops Friendly Markets is teaming up with Allen Family Farms – the family of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen – to bring fresh melons and a community impact to Western New York. This season, participating Tops stores will feature JA17-branded cantaloupes and honeydew, with a portion of sales benefiting the Patricia Allen Fund at Oishei Children’s Hospital.
The melons can be found displayed in limited-supply JA17 boxes in the heart of the produce department at Tops stores.
A Family Tradition in Every Melon
For more than three decades, the Allen family has cultivated melons in California’s Central Valley, carrying on a 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 Josh Allen’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, MD, president, 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.”
A Shared Commitment to Health and Wellness
Tops 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 Josh Allen’s broader advocacy for healthier lifestyles, which includes his national partnership with Wonderful Pistachios.
“Bringing these melons to our stores is about more than taste,” said Jeff Cady, VP 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.”
About Tops Friendly Markets
Headquartered in Williamsville, New York, Tops Markets operates a network of 152 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location. As one of Western New York’s largest employers, and with over 14,000 associates across its entire footprint, Tops is committed to delivering sustainably sourced, premium-quality products. Beyond retail, Tops is committed to the communities it serves through initiatives focused on hunger relief, health improvement, youth education and environmental sustainability.