Peter Piper Pizza Tackles Arizona's Literacy Crisis One Slice at a Time

PHOENIX, AZ – March 25, 2026 – As Arizona continues to grapple with significant challenges in its public education system, family restaurant chain Peter Piper Pizza is leveraging its community presence to support a critical need: youth literacy. The company's Slice of Knowledge Foundation is relaunching its annual fundraising campaign, running from March 30 through April 26, this time benefiting the evidence-based Arizona nonprofit, Read Better Be Better.

The initiative comes at a crucial time for the state. Recent data paints a stark picture of Arizona's educational landscape. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 26% of Arizona's fourth-grade students are reading at a proficient level, a figure that has shown little improvement over two decades and aligns with a national post-pandemic decline. Some reports, such as a 2024 analysis by Consumer Affairs, have ranked the state's public school system last in the nation. This literacy gap has profound long-term consequences, as research consistently shows that students not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Through the month-long campaign, Peter Piper Pizza aims to mobilize its customers in Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque to directly fund programs designed to reverse this trend. Guests can donate $2 at the register to receive five coupons for free 12-ounce ICEEs, while online customers will have the option to round up their order total to the nearest dollar. Every dollar raised will be directed to Read Better Be Better to support its literacy and leadership programs.

A Proven Model for Boosting Young Readers

The beneficiary of this year's campaign, Read Better Be Better, is not just another after-school program; it is a nationally recognized, evidence-based intervention. The nonprofit was designated a Tier II intervention under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) following a rigorous 2025 match-comparison study conducted by WestEd, a respected independent research organization. The study, which analyzed three school years of data, found that third-grade students participating in the program scored an average of 4.9 percentile points higher on Arizona's statewide reading test compared to their peers who were not enrolled.

Read Better Be Better’s innovative model pairs younger students, or "Readers" (kindergarten through third grade), with older student mentors, or "Leaders" (fourth through eighth grade). This peer-led structure creates a mutually beneficial relationship. The Readers receive focused attention and practice to improve their reading comprehension, concentration, and enjoyment of reading. Simultaneously, the Leaders develop crucial leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of civic responsibility. Since its founding in 2014, the organization has expanded to 99 schools across 11 districts, serving over 13,000 Arizona students.

"Literacy is the foundation for everything a child will accomplish in life, and in Arizona, the need has never been greater," said Megan Jefferies, development director at Read Better Be Better. "Partnering with Peter Piper Pizza gives us the opportunity to reach more young readers and leaders across our communities, and we're grateful to have a partner that's as invested in Arizona's kids as we are."

More Than Pizza: A Recipe for Corporate Responsibility

For Peter Piper Pizza, the "Slice of Knowledge" campaign is a cornerstone of a long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility that is deeply integrated into its brand identity. The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of CEC Entertainment LLC, reports donating more than $600,000 annually to schools, hospitals, and other nonprofits focused on child development. This consistent philanthropic effort extends beyond a single campaign.

Last year, the same initiative raised $10,000 for Chicanos Por La Causa, providing funding for STEM/STEAM enrichment, tutoring resources, and computers for underserved youth in Phoenix and Tucson. The company also runs other community-focused fundraisers, such as its annual heart-shaped pizza sale in February, which generated $25,000 for local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in 2024. Furthermore, the brand frequently hosts fundraiser nights for local schools and organizations, donating 15% to 20% of event sales back to the participating group.

This strategy reflects a conscious effort to be more than just a restaurant, but a genuine community partner. "Our restaurants are built around bringing families together, and that same spirit drives our commitment to giving back," stated Genaro Perez, chief marketing officer at Peter Piper Pizza. "Supporting initiatives that inspire learning and opportunity, like literacy, is a natural extension of who we are. Through the Slice of Knowledge Foundation, we're honored to partner with our communities in meaningful ways."

How Small Change Drives Big Impact

The fundraising mechanics of the campaign—point-of-sale donations and online round-ups—are part of a growing and highly effective trend in charitable giving. This "micro-giving" strategy makes contributing easy and accessible. Research shows that customers often respond more favorably to a request to round up a purchase than to a flat donation request, as the perceived cost is minimal.

In the United States, point-of-sale donations have seen a dramatic increase, growing from under $400 million in 2012 to over $749 million in recent years. By offering a tangible incentive like ICEE coupons for a small donation, Peter Piper Pizza transforms a simple transaction into a value-added proposition for the customer while supporting a vital cause. This proven model, combined with the clear and urgent mission of Read Better Be Better, positions the campaign for significant impact. The month-long initiative provides a clear opportunity for communities across the Southwest to invest directly in the educational foundation of the next generation, one small donation at a time.