SYDNEY, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- A severe drought has spurred pubs across Australia to donate one dollar from every chicken parmigiana meal they sell to support affected farmers.
Dubbed "Parma for a Farmer" after the Australian term for parmigiana, the initiative has taken hold rapidly with countless clubs, bars and eateries taking part, supported by the Australian Hotels Association.
An iconic menu item throughout Australia, the chicken parmigiana is a crumbed schnitzel topped with cheese and marinara sauce and served with chips and salad.
Participating venue, Axedale Tavern in Victoria normally does between 200 and 300 chicken parmas a week, expecting that number to increase.
Owner Gary Vanwynen told Xinhua that while they themselves aren't affected by the drought, the local community can relate to what's unfolding in other parts of the country.
"We're a farming community round here so everyone's getting on board for it," Vanwynen said.
"Probably about eight years ago we had quite a severe drought around here."
The story is similar across Australia - with the nation's long agricultural history, there is no shortage of those willing to do their bit, and dig into a parma for a farmer.
