Curiosity and small changes can spark big transformation—for your health, our planet, and the way we eat. Discover the why behind our mission and how you can be part of a global movement already in motion.
Over ten years ago, I overheard a colleague say, "pigs are smart." At first, I couldn’t believe it—how could pigs be as intelligent as dogs, or even as smart as a 3 to 5-year-old child? That new realization troubled me, especially when I thought about our aging Pug who needed to see a cardiologist. I struggled with the fact that we have doctors for dogs, yet we eat pigs, who are just as smart.
Behavior change is complex, but for some reason, those three words—"pigs are smart"—sparked my curiosity and led me to rethink my food choices. I began reading, learning, and making small changes. Over time, I shared my story with others, and many began to reconsider their own food choices.
In 2020, I encountered Tim Ferriss' Tribe of Mentors, where he posed the question: "If you could have a gigantic billboard with any message, what would it say?" Instantly, I responded: "Pigs are smart."
Through my own journey, I’ve discovered how powerful eating more plant-based foods can be. When we fill our plates with colorful, whole foods, we bring joy back to our meals. What we eat affects our health, the planet, and everything we share it with. Small changes on our plates can spark big change in the world.
Pigs Are Smart inspires you to join a growing plant-forward movement of people and organizations working to create a healthier world. Together, we aim to replace 50% of animal products with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040—an essential step toward nourishing people, healing the planet, and building a compassionate future for all.
Tammy Messina brings expertise from the humanitarian sector as a thought leader in fundraising, relationship-building, and impact-driven storytelling. At Medical Teams International, she raised vital funding to provide life-saving medical care for mothers and children in crisis, gaining a deep understanding of how to connect people to a cause—even when it feels distant from everyday life.
A proud mother of five, Tammy embraces the energy of Los Angeles, where she and her husband, a composer and director, have built a life rooted in creativity, connection, and community.
Now, she channels her passions into Pigs Are Smart, creating a welcoming space that sparks curiosity and empowers people to take small steps that transform their health and the planet. As she’s intentionally built relationships and community in her own life, she brings that same commitment to Pigs Are Smart—ensuring everyone, at any pace, feels connected and inspired to be part of something bigger.
Join the Plant-Forward Movement. Small steps, big impact! Stay connected for recipes, meal swaps, and inspiration that makes a difference.
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