Fourth‑graders press lawmakers to name apple cider donut New Hampshire's state donut

Representative Laura Talerski introduced HB 13 90, describing it as a student‑initiated bill from fourth graders at Bicentennial Elementary School in Nashua. Talerski said students learned in class that past state symbols were proposed by students, then researched and proposed the apple cider donut as New Hampshire’s official state donut.

Three students — who identified themselves and presented a packet of essays and petitions — told the committee the apple cider donut connects to local orchards and the state beverage. The students said their research found 228 apple orchards in New Hampshire and argued state designation would help farms and bakeries market products during high fall tourism.

Committee members asked whether the apple cider donut had been claimed by other states and whether families or allergy concerns had been considered; students answered that they were not aware of another state claiming the apple cider donut and that they had anticipated counterarguments in their packet.

Committee members praised the students’ civics engagement and said they would review the materials and decide at a later date; the chair closed the hearing with thanks to the students.