South Frontenac Food Bank Opens Second Location in Battersea

Jemma Dooreleyers | Sep 11, 2025

When Jody Riddle returned to her role as Food Bank Coordinator of the Food Bank at Southern Frontenac Community Services two years ago, she saw opportunities for change. Clients from Battersea and the surrounding area were calling for support, but many had no way to get to the food bank that has been operating in Sydenham out of the Grace Centre.

“People were struggling with no vehicle, a broken-down vehicle, or simply no money for gas,” Riddle said. “We were sending volunteers to deliver hampers all over, and it just didn’t make sense. I thought it would be better to bring the food to them.”

In May 2024, Riddle learned that Reverend Heather McClurg Murphy at Battersea United Church had been overseeing the operation of a small food cupboard, stocked by monthly community food drives sponsored by the Storrington Lion’s Club. Riddle proposed collaborating with McClurg Murphy to create a full satellite site stocked with similar food and referral services available at the Southern Frontenac Community Services location in Sydenham.

“Heather was fully supportive,” Riddle said. “We decided to give it a try. If it didn’t work, at least we tried to minimize barriers to food.”

By June, the Battersea food bank 2024 was officially open. Now, instead of 12 families per month, the satellite serves between 21 and 35. Riddle attends and is available to connect with families.

Battersea uses a “shopping model.” Food is displayed on tables, and clients select what they need. The location is more convenient for participants in the Battersea and surrounding area.

Riddle explained “the shopping model reduces waste, and it gives people dignity and choice. It feels more like going to a market than receiving a hamper.”

The space is set up with fridges, freezers and tables of non-perishables so clients can fill their bags with groceries. The setup, Riddle said, not only gives clients dignity but it also helps prevent isolation in the rural community.

“You see people saying hi to each other, catching up on local news,” she said. “It feels special, like it’s supposed to feel. There’s no judgment.”

The need for food bank services continues to rise across South Frontenac. In 2019, the food bank served about 69 households a month. Today, that number has climbed to around 120.

For Riddle, the bigger picture goes beyond food distribution. She believes systemic change is necessary to reduce food insecurity.

“The cost of living is just so high,” Riddle said. “I used to buy canned pasta for 88 cents. Now it’s closer to two dollars. Minimum wage and social assistance haven’t kept up, so food becomes the last priority after rent and utilities.”

Funding remains a constant concern. The food bank is sustained entirely through donations of money and food from the community, churches, organizations and local businesses, along with food support from groups like Feed Ontario and Lionheart.

“Every Monday, we get fresh produce and grains through Lionheart,” Riddle said. “When it’s Battersea’s turn, they increase what we receive so we can share the same with that community. We always make sure families get milk, bread, eggs, bananas, and at least one meat product.

The Storrington Lions Club also plays a key role, running monthly food drives specifically for the Battersea site. “I don’t think it would be as successful without them and the efforts of Reverand Heather McClurg Murphy and her volunteers” Riddle said.

“Prices are so high that I can buy less with the same budget,” she explained. “Partnerships help us access fresh produce and perishable items, but every dollar is stretched.”

Despite the stretch, the success of the Battersea satellite has Riddle beginning discussions with locations in Verona about opening another satellite location there.

“With such a large geographic area, transportation is always a barrier,” she said. “If we can bring food closer to people, it reduces stress, frees up volunteers, and helps families feel supported in their own communities.”

For Jody, food banks are not just about groceries—they’re about dignity, trust, and breaking isolation.

“I believe people should never feel judged for needing help,” she said. “If Battersea shows us anything, it’s that when a community pulls together, we can make access easier and a little less lonely.”

For more information on how to donate to or access the food bank, visit South Frontenac Community Service’s website.