AN ACT adopting the MORAVIAN cookie as the OFFICIAL state cookie.

Whereas, during the 18th century, settlers from the European kingdom of Moravia traveled to America and founded the town of Salem (now Winston‑Salem) in North Carolina in 1766; and

Whereas, when the Moravians settled in North Carolina, they brought with them a spice cookie similar to the German Lebkuchen cookie; and

Whereas, these thin spice cookies are known as Moravian cookies and made of ingredients such as molasses, allspice, and ginger; and

Whereas, the Moravian cookie is one of the most popular cookies in North Carolina; and

Whereas, Moravian cookies have been made and sold in Winston‑Salem since the 1950s and millions of pounds of cookies are baked, packaged, and distributed worldwide annually; and

Whereas, sales of Moravian cookies promote tourism in the State and contribute to the State's economy; and

Whereas, it is fitting to recognize the positive impact the Moravians have had on the State's culture by adopting the Moravian cookie as the official cookie of the State of North Carolina; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 145‑52.  Official State cookie.

The Moravian cookie is adopted as the official cookie of the State of North Carolina.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.