A resolution was introduced in the House of Delegates to make the pepperoni roll the official food of the state.
The House resolution simply reads: “Declaring the ‘pepperoni roll’ to be the official State Food of West Virginia.”
When the resolution was read during Tuesday’s floor session in the House, it brought laughter from the delegates. House Speaker Rick Thompson then said, “The clerk tells me I have to refer that to Rules (House Rules Committee).”
The resolution’s lead sponsor is Del. Josh Nelson of Boone County, and its co-sponsors include Del. Mike Caputo and Del. Tim Manchin, both of Marion County, and Del. Richard Iaquinta of Harrison County.
The pepperoni roll was first developed by Italian immigrants in north central West Virginia as a filling food coal miners could take to work.
Fairmont is known as the home of the pepperoni roll.