The U.S. Senate Chamber located in the nation's capital is now stocked with Buckeyes made by a long-time Metamora staple Mr. Fudge's Confectionery. 

Indiana U.S. Senator Todd Young (R) took over the seat at what is known as the Senate's "candy desk," making him responsible for stocking the desk with sweet treats from his home state of Indiana. The easily accessible desk is adjacent to the Chamber's busiest entrance, and the contents are available to all senators regardless of political affiliation.

Mr. Fudge's Confectionery owner Donna Monroe said it is an honor to have the homemade peanut butter and chocolate treats in the Senate's candy desk. She shared the ingredients they mix to perfection that make the Buckeyes so well known. "It is powdered sugar, softened butter, a little vanilla, salt, and peanut butter mixed together, rolled into balls, then dipped in chocolate," Monroe said.

The candy desk tradition at the Senate's Chambers began in the 1960s. Young is only the second Hoosier to occupy the desk. Indiana Senator Richard Lugar held the desk from 1977-79.

"Candy manufacturers across Indiana are producing amazing treats, and my goal is to spotlight these unique products made and distributed by Hoosiers," said Young. "The candy desk is a popular destination for senators from both sides of the aisle, and I'm excited to share Hoosier candies with my colleagues. Perhaps a taste of Hoosier hospitality will sweeten the sometimes bitter divide in Washington."

Mr. Fudge's Confectionery opened in the 1980s in the Duck Creek Schoolhouse in Metamora before moving to its location for over 20 years on Main Street in Metamora. Upon entering the building, guests feel like they have stepped back in time as they are greeted by an old fashion ice cream parlor. 

Mr. Fudge's Confectionery has over 15 types of fudge that can be seen being made on-site. In addition, three kinds of Brittle Turtles, Bear Claws, Sea Salt Caramels, and Oreo Truffles, among other homemade candies, are available. The confectionery is generally open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is a visitor favorite.

Other sweet treats from around the state stocking the desk are:
•Gummi products from Albanese Confectionery Group, Merrillville
•Chocolate Bars by DeBrand Fine Chocolates, Fort Wayne
•Red Hots by Shimpff's Confectionary, Jeffersonville
•Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy by the New Albay Sugar Shoppe, New Albany
•Sour Punch Straws by the Sweet Tooth, Munster
•Caramels by Kraft, Kendallville
•Jumbo and Chocolate-covered Jelly Beans by Wakarusa Dime Store
•Mini Chocolate Bars by Endangered Species Chocolate, Indianapolis
•Rock Crystal Candy Sticks by Squire Boone Village, New Albany

History of the Senate candy desk:
California Senator George Murphy began this tradition more than 40 years ago. Soon after he entered the Senate in 1965, the former Hollywood actor and film executive began stocking his Chamber desk with candy to gratify his sweet tooth. Then, in 1968, he moved to an aisle desk on the last row near the elevator entrance. Given the regular member traffic by his new location, he invited other senators to help themselves. Soon, his desk became known as the "candy desk." After Murphy left the Senate in 1971, other senators who occupied the desk at that location carried on the tradition of keeping it well stocked with assorted mints, hard candies, and chocolates.