Many a vegetarian has confessed that what they miss most in the world of meat is the taste of bacon. The rest of Australia evidently feels the same, with the demand for pork continuing to boom. Last year alone, pork demand rose by five per cent, making it Australia’s second most-popular meat of choice. But all is not rosy; unfortunately, this has put the nation’s pork farmers in rather a pickle: a resulting oversupply partnered with rising grain prices and cheap imports has led to financial hardship for many.

In response to oversupply, some farmers have made ample donations of pork to charity, both benefiting the local community as well as raising awareness of the growing crisis. Pork SA committee member and Riverton pork producer Matthew Greenslade said the idea was about paying it forward, but also getting the message out about the struggle farmers are currently facing.

For example, in South Australia, pig farmers are supporting Catherine House with three months of pork donations, allowing up to two pork-based meals to be served each week. Catherine House is a 48-person facility that offers accommodation, support and recovery for women experiencing homelessness; it’s also a centre that struggles with food costs.

That’s one way the nation’s pork farmers are helping others, but what can you do for them? There’s a simple answer when it comes to how the everyday Australian can help alleviate the struggles of the country’s pig farmers: put more Australian pork on your fork.

If anything, put some more pork on your fork than you are currently (and give into your bacon cravings). By buying an extra pork dish each week, you are helping to financially support Australian farmers. Of course, this is only true if you purchase a pork product embossed with the pink PorkMark (as that’s a guarantee the product comes from within the nation’s borders).

To learn more about Pork Australia and other ways you can help, click here.