By Anadely LegunasTeacher by morning, self-employed farmer by night. Samantha Shaak, a Family Consumer Science teacher at Wilson High School, has an ultimate passion for food that starts in the classroom and follows her home. Four years ago, Shaak began what is known today as “Green Pig Farm.” This farm contains some chickens, some goats and a fairly large garden. After years of tending to her farm, Shaak made the switch from a twelve-year special ed teacher to an FCS teacher this past year. (Photo Courtesy of Ms. Shaak) One large influence that had an impact on Shaak to start her own garden was the affordable aspect of it all. “I think it all started as being cost effective. It was much more cost effective and frugal to bake a pie versus going to the store to purchase it,” she explained. Not only was it the cost effectiveness, but also the ability to be able to feed yourself and the people around you healthy food. “Not only are you getting a product at a better price, but now I know what’s in my food… I think there is a comfort in knowing that.” That is actually where the name Green Pig comes from. As Shaak explained to me, green comes from the saving money aspect and being aware of the environment. Pig comes from good food and full bellies.
The way that Shaak tends to her farm is dependent on the season, like any other farm. In the fall and winter seasons, the garden is pretty much what Shaak described as “dormant” so she spends less time prepping the farm in the later seasons. Before leaving her home to come teach, she takes fifteen minutes out of her morning to make sure all the animals are fed. When she returns home, the same cycle repeats yet again but with other activities added. “On the weekends and evenings, we are doing anything from canning fruits and vegetables, dehydrating or prepping for the next growing season. In late winter, we start seeds under a grow light.” One thing I learned from speaking with Shaak is that she is very passionate about what she does and in educating others, not only just because she is now a food educator at Wilson High, but in the things she does during her leisure time. On social media, she will show people how to can the goods she does. Her farm as of right now is not creating any income for her, meaning this whole process is all voluntary and for fun. The last thing Shaak told me was “Another big part of Green Pig Farm is to #spreadthelove. We try to share our fruit and vegetable overages with family and friends. In the future, we'd like to "adopt" a local family in need and provide them with a produce basket each week with items from our garden." Shaak takes pride in helping others adapt to the lifestyle she has embraced.
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