George H. W. Bush and broccoli facts for kids

George H. W. Bush was the 41st President of the United States.

Did you know that a President of the United States once declared war on a vegetable? In 1990, George H. W. Bush, who was the President at the time, made a very clear statement about his dislike for broccoli. He said he would never eat it! This funny moment became quite famous.

President Bush and His Broccoli Rule

President Bush's strong feelings about broccoli came out in 1990. A journalist from a news magazine shared a story. The story said that President Bush had banned broccoli from Air Force One. This is the special plane that the President uses for travel.

Why Didn't President Bush Like Broccoli?

President Bush explained his dislike for broccoli very simply. He said, "I do not like broccoli. And I haven't liked it since I was a little kid. And my mother made me eat it. And I'm President of the United States. And I'm not gonna eat any more broccoli!" This quote shows he really didn't enjoy the green vegetable, even when he was young.

A Big Gift of Broccoli

After the news about President Bush's broccoli ban came out, something interesting happened. George S. Dunlop, who was the head of a group called the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, decided to send a gift. He gave the First Lady, Barbara Bush, a big bouquet of broccoli. Not only that, but he also sent 10 tons of broccoli in trucks! That's a lot of broccoli.

Sharing the Broccoli with Others

A few days later, President Bush hosted a special dinner. This was a "state dinner" to honor Tadeusz Mazowiecki, who was the Prime Minister of Poland. Journalists at the dinner noticed something important. There was no broccoli on the menu! Most of the 10 tons of broccoli that farmers had sent to the President's family were not eaten by them. Instead, they were donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. This food bank helps people who need food. So, even though the President didn't like broccoli, it still went to a good cause!