Newtown Students, Teacher Could Pass Bill Making Hershey Kiss PA's State Candy

NEWTOWN, PA — Pennsylvania state Representative Thomas L. Mehaffie recently introduced an act that would make the Hershey Kiss the commonwealth's official state candy. But plans for that designation actually began locally in Newtown, as part of a lesson for middle-schoolers in governing processes.

According to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, Newtown Middle School history teacher Richard Loughran said he started the push to give his students first-hand experience in working with their government.

Loughran formed the Hershey Kiss Committee in January, and the students went from there.

"We gained the Hershey Company's approval for making the Kiss the state candy with a meeting with Mr. Jeff Beckman, Hershey's spokesperson, and Ms. Joanna Turner, director of government relations for Hershey," they shared on their website. That was followed by meetings with Representative Perry Warren and Senator Maria Collett, who offered their support and knowledge.

The group connected with Mehaffie in mid-November, when he told them he would introduce a bill — including their whereas statements — to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

"I believe that denoting the Hershey Kiss as the state candy will not only bring more attention to our state but also commemorate a company and candy that has forever impacted our state’s economy and values," Mehaffie said while introducing the bill.

Milton Hershey established the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1894, going on to create several charitable trusts and foundations while his sweets company grew. Now, the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania even has lampposts shaped like Kisses.

"Hershey's Kisses are one of the most iconic chocolate products ever created by Hershey's and one of the most recognized and beloved chocolate products around the world," the act reads. "Each day, more than 70 million Hershey's Kisses are produced in Hershey, Pennsylvania."

As detailed in the Capital-Star, though, Pennsylvania has the third-largest candy industry in the country. The state is also home to Just Born Quality Confections (makers of Peeps), Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Boyer Candies, and Asher's Chocolate Company. So, there may be some competition.

But local students persist in their hope to see the Hershey Kiss honored as the latest state symbol. As they wrote, "The mission at Hershey's to 'bring more moments of goodness to the world' has a positive impact on individuals and communities around the world."

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