Curiosity and small changes can spark big transformations—for your health, the planet, and the way we eat. Discover the heart behind our mission—and why this movement is 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 realization stuck with me. It was troubling, especially when I thought about our aging Pug who needed to see a cardiologist. I couldn’t shake the contrast: we have doctors for dogs, yet we eat pigs—animals who are just as intelligent.
Behavior change is complex. But for some reason, those three words—"Pigs are smart"—sparked my curiosity. They led me to start rethinking my food choices. I began reading, learning, and making small shifts.
Eventually, I shared my story with others. And over time, many of them began to reconsider their own choices too.
Then in 2020, I came across Tim Ferriss’ Tribe of Mentors. He asked, “If you could have a gigantic billboard with any message, what would it say?” Instantly, I knew: “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 not just our health, but the climate, natural resources, and the animals we share the planet with. Small changes on our plates can spark big change in the world.
Pigs Are Smart invites you to join a growing, plant-forward movement. Around the world, many people and organizations are already working to replace 50% of animal products with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. This shift is essential to nourishing people, protecting animals, and healing the planet. But we can’t reach that goal without each of us—every choice counts, and that includes you.
Tammy Messina brings experience from the humanitarian sector, where she became a trusted voice in fundraising, relationship-building, and impact-driven storytelling.
At Medical Teams International, she raised vital funds to deliver life-saving medical care to mothers and children in crisis. Along the way, she learned how to connect people to a cause—even when it felt distant from daily life.
Tammy is also a proud mother of five. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, a composer and director. Together, they’ve built a life rooted in creativity, connection, and community.
Now, she channels her passion into Pigs Are Smart—a welcoming space that sparks curiosity and encourages small steps toward better health and a better planet.
Just as she’s built strong relationships in her own life, Tammy brings that same intention to this movement.
Her goal is to ensure that everyone—at any pace—feels supported, inspired, and 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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