Push to make salt water taffy NJ's state candy

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Salt water taffy - it's been a chewy, sweet treat at the Jersey Shore for well over 100 years and now a group of 5th graders wants it designated the official state candy.

"We discovered that unlike other states, New Jersey does not have an official state candy," said Michelle Lee, student.

Students from Samsel Elementary in Sayreville lobbied lawmakers on the Gaming & Tourism Committee, reminding them of the legend of how salt water taffy came to be in the 1800s.

"One evening a storm flooded my store and soaked all of my candy in salt water. A young girl came the next day to buy some taffy. I jokingly asked her if she would like some salt water taffy and the rest is history," said Brodie Gallagher, reenacting the story's origin.

The kids feel a connection to that story.

"The flood of Hurricane Sandy hit us, that was the first thing we thought, salt water taffy became salt water taffy because of a flood," said Dazhane Sobers, student.

At Shrivers on the boardwalk in Ocean City, where they make and sell tons of taffy, people say the idea of making it the official state candy is winner.

"It's cool they're trying to make it the state candy because it's classic to the Jersey Shore. Everyone knows salt water taffy and the Jersey Shore," said Claire Smith.

"I think it's a great idea. I don't know if there's a state candy for other states but makes sense to me. Nothing says Jersey Shore like salt water taffy," said another local resident.

Each legislator was given a tiny bag of taffy before voting the bill out of committee. Now the 'Taffy Bill' goes to the full assembly for a vote.

"I think this is an opportunity for young people in a very formative stage of their lives to see exactly how an idea they had can actually become a law," said Assemblyman John Wisniewski.

It may not be groundbreaking legislation but if the students are successful in their quest it'll be a sweet lesson they'll never forget.