Cultivating Community and Nourishment at SFCSC

Kelli McRobert | May 15, 2025

The gardens at the Grace Centre lay dormant for months, their soil resting beneath the weight of winter’s chill. But as spring stirred, so too did the land, ready to be coaxed back to life by dedicated volunteers. The annual cleanup had begun, breathing new energy into a space that would soon provide nourishment for the South Frontenac community.

Leading the charge, Josey Cadieux guided volunteers through the memorial gardens—a place of reflection and renewal, where blossoms emerged like whispered promises of warmer days. Their next stop was the greenhouses and outbuildings, where high winds had left their mark. Structures designed to shield tender young crops bore the scars of harsh weather, adding to the growing list of needed repairs. Though some lettuce had already been planted, the delicate leaves endured the chilly morning air, tentatively trusting the slow approach of warmth beneath a thin protective mesh.

A volunteer groundskeeper whizzed past, neatly trimming back unruly growth as the group surveyed the planned crops and assessed the areas to be tended. Stacked cardboard from the Centre stood ready for weed control, and a towering pile of nutrient-rich mushroom compost awaited its turn to enrich the soil, a vital ingredient in preparing for the growing season ahead.

Restoring the greenhouses would require effort, but the mission was clear: The food grown here had an essential purpose. Last year, the gardens supplied over 3,000 pounds of fresh produce to three cornerstone programs of Southern Frontenac Community Services: The Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and Diners Lunch.

Each harvest represents more than sustenance—it is a lifeline. The Food Bank ensures families facing food insecurity receive nourishing, homegrown ingredients—including a sweet surprise. Strawberries, grown at the entrance level, offer clients a chance to enjoy a fresh treat as they arrive, a small but meaningful reminder that good food and community care go hand in hand. Meals on Wheels delivers warm, wholesome meals to seniors and individuals unable to cook, providing comfort alongside every plate. The monthly Diners program transforms the bounty into shared meals, fostering social connections over fresh, locally sourced food (entertainment too!).

Signs of renewal stretched across the landscape. Fruit trees lined pathways, their blossoms proving that, despite the lingering chill, summer was on its way. The land was waking up, stretching after months of rest, and, as always, the community came together to ensure it thrived.

The gardens at the Grace Centre are not just about growth but about giving. Volunteers return year after year, nurturing their neighbours' soil and spirit. Their hands work in rhythm with the seasons, planting hope with every seedling, knowing their labour feeds people, strengthens connections, and carries forward a lasting impact.

As the first day’s efforts ended, a quiet satisfaction settled the group. Plenty remained to tackle in the days ahead, but a plan was in motion. The gardens, once dormant, now promised renewal. With spring’s arrival came the promise of a harvest shaped by care, generosity, and community.

Volunteers are always needed. Please call SFCSC at 613-376-6477.