Phosphate compounds have been intensively investigated as cathode materials for sodium ion batteries. Here we report the synthesis and electrochemical performance of a novel iron-rich sodium iron orthophosphate. This new compound was synthesized by a conventional solid state reaction method, and was found to be electrochemically active, delivering a reversible capacity of 85 mAhr(-1) at an average voltage of c.a. 3.0 V vs. Na/Na+. Besides, the desodiated phase can be (de)intercalated by lithium ions when assembled into a lithium cell. Our discovery will open up the scope of phosphate family and reveal the importance of off-stoichiometric compounds as cathode materials.