Editor's note : This story was originally published in April 2020. The pandemic did not impact production & distribution of Easter candy, which was already complete by February of that year.
Growing up in New Orleans, Easter for Kathy Cunningham McKoin meant Heavenly Hash, a core of marshmallow fluff studded with almonds and covered in chocolate, Pecan Eggs, bricks of sticky nougat rolled in caramel and chopped pecans, and crinkly foil packets with Gold Brick pecan “melt-a-ways.” Not until she got to college did McKoin learn that other kids’ baskets were filled with Hershey’s, Reese’s and the same candies sold year round at groceries and drug stores.