CurioWire
← Back to feed
EXTRA! EXTRA!

🏺 Recovered from the dusty archives

How Barbara Bush Brought Pizza Hut to the White House

historyPublished 16 Feb 2026
How Barbara Bush Brought Pizza Hut to the White House
Image by Pexels
Quick Summary
  • What: First Lady Barbara Bush promoted literacy around 1989 by hosting a Reading Is Fundamental–related event at the White House featuring pizza.
  • Where: White House.
  • When: circa 1989.

Around 1989, the White House served up a slice of history during a special Reading Is Fundamental event. First Lady Barbara Bush took a unique approach to promote literacy.

Instead of the usual formal fare, she had Pizza Hut deliver pizzas straight to the White House. This unconventional choice was not just about food; it was a strategy to engage children and emphasize the joy of reading.

As children gathered, the aroma of freshly baked pizzas filled the air, creating a relaxed atmosphere for learning. Bush believed that making reading fun was crucial, and what better way to do that than with pizza?

This event highlighted her commitment to literacy and education, making it a memorable day for all involved. The combination of pizza and reading left a lasting impression, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas can have the biggest impact.

Did You Know?

Barbara Bush was a strong advocate for literacy and founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989.