Saco legislator pitches Maine Needham Day

AUGUSTA — State Rep. Maggie O’Neil, D-Saco, is proposing a day to celebrate a candy that is uniquely Maine.

O’Neil has submitted a bill, LD 292, that would designate the last Saturday of September as Maine Needham Day.

If approved, Maine Needham Day would promote Maine history and agriculture as well as local candy makers 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,” she said. “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 are a candy made with a potato and coconut filling, covered in dark chocolate. The candy is believed to have originated around 1872 by Auburn candy maker John Seavey, according to the New England Historical Society website, and was named after evangelist George Needham.

O’Neil submitted the bill after hearing from constituents Malaika and Gerard Picard, who own the Maine Needham Company. The couple would like to preserve the Needham’s place in Maine culture and history. Malaika said they contacted O’Neil last year, on the 150^th anniversary of the candy, as they wanted to do something special to commemorate the 150 years of tradition.

“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,” said Malaika.

Jeannie Tapley, director of operations for the Maine Potato Board, said the bill is a great way to promote Maine potatoes and a beloved treat.

A public hearing on LD 292 was held on Tuesday and the State and Local Government Committee will hold a work session on it tomorrow.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.