MILLICENT hotels are encouraging locals to “put their money where their mouth is” and devour a “parma” in support of a drought-stricken farmer.
The national “Parma For A Farmer” campaign is driven by the popularity of the humble pub classic – a chicken parmigiana – and has grown into a rally of support for Australian farmers struggling through what could possibly be the worst drought in the nation’s history.
The Grand, Somerset and Sportsmans hotels have jumped on board and joined registered pubs and clubs across the country in pledging to donate a dollar from every parma sold to the Buy a Bale campaign.
Buy A Bale aims to support Aussie farmers, primarily by helping those struggling to pay the bills and feed their livestock.
Grand Hotel owner Steve Thomas said he had wanted to give farmers his support, but was not sure how.
“It is something we have been wanting to do for weeks now,” he said.
“We have to look after our own, they are doing it tough up there and I did not realise how tough it was until it received as much media coverage as it has.
“We are donating $2 from every parma and parma burger to Buy A Bale until the end of September.
“The parma is probably up there as one of the most popular dishes on our menu.
“Already we have received really good support from the community and our donation tins are starting to fill up.
“The money in the donation tins will be used to support farmers outside of the Buy A Bale campaign and we are also organising a raffle fundraiser.”
Sportsmans Hotel manager Larissa Watts said the farming-focused South East community could relate to the campaign.
“The severity of the drought has started to hit close to home for many of us, especially with agriculture playing a huge role in the South East region,” she said.
“Watching what the farmers are going through on the news you kind of feel helpless, which is why a campaign like this is an awesome way for people to show their support.
“It is important we all get behind Buy a Bale and our farmers as every dollar counts.”
Meanwhile, the Somerset has decided to donate $5 to Buy A Bale from every parmigiana sold until the end of this month, with owner Amanda Gordon saying she was happy to get behind the cause.
“We thought it was a great campaign to be part of and a great way to support the farmers,” she said.
“We decided to donate more money from each parmigiana to Buy A Bale and run the campaign over a shorter amount of time because we think it will have a bigger impact.
“Parmigianas are a very popular pub classic and make up for almost half of our schnitzels sold, especially with schnitzel night Wednesdays and our parma and pint Sunday special.”
The current drought is affecting 98pc of New South Wales and two thirds of Queensland.
It has caused pasture land to turn to rubble and the cost of freight and feed has also been increasing exponentially, leaving farmers left to face the ruin.
Locals are urged to help make a difference, and support Aussie farmers and campaigns like Parma for a Farmer, as well as other fundraising events and campaigns organised by businesses and organisations across Millicent and the South East.
