AUGUSTA – The Maine House gave initial approval Thursday to a proposal that would celebrate Maine’s signature confection by creating Maine Needham Day. The measure was approved “under the hammer,” or by unanimous consent.

LD 292, sponsored by Rep. Maggie O’Neil, D-Saco, would designate the last Saturday in September each year as Maine Needham Day.

“Maine Needham Day will promote Maine history, Maine agriculture and our local candymakers and retailers,” said O’Neil. “Needhams start with one of Maine’s staple agricultural products, Maine potatoes, and they have a special place in many Mainers’ family traditions. My own family sends Needhams to relatives during the holidays for a taste of home. This is a straightforward bill to celebrate a simple pleasure that is uniquely Maine.”

Needhams, sometimes called Maine potato candies, are composed of a sweetened coconut and potato filling covered in chocolate.

“The Maine potato industry is a heritage of the highest quality for our state, and the Maine Needham candy starts with that heritage and builds on it,” said Jeannie Tapley, director of operations for the Maine Potato Board. “Maine Needham Day is a great opportunity to promote Maine potatoes and a beloved treat for all who have lived here and for the generations to come.”

O’Neil submitted the bill after hearing from constituents and Saco business owners Malaika and Gerard Picard. The Picards, who run the Maine Needham Company, said their priority is to preserve the Needham’s place in Maine culture and history.

“We first reached out to Rep. O’Neil last year, because as best as we can tell, 1872 was the birth year of the Needham. We wanted to try to do something special to commemorate 150 years of tradition,” said Malaika Picard. “So many people share their memories with us, whether they made Needhams with their grandmother, visited Maine and looked forward to visiting the candymaker while they were here for a special treat, or remember taking their nickel to the corner store as kids to buy a Needham. We want younger generations to have the same recognition of the Needham.”

The Picards said the history of the Needham is not entirely clear but that most sources agree it was introduced by Maine confectioner John Seavey, who owned Seavey’s Sweets, in the late 19th century.

The bill faces additional votes in both the House and Senate.