Ferguslie Community Market has marked six years of helping local households buy affordable food. Darkwood Crew estimates that families have saved £390,000 on their shopping since the market began in 2020.
The voluntary organisation says the market has provided approximately 10,710 affordable shops across 327 sessions. It estimates that 81 tonnes of food have been redistributed, while more than 50 volunteers have contributed over 15,300 hours.
The market runs every Thursday at the Tannahill Centre in Ferguslie Park, Paisley. Customers can get approximately £25 worth of shopping for £3.50, depending on available stock. Anyone who feels they would benefit can use it without a referral or proof of financial hardship.
Darkwood Crew recently added an evening session after residents said the daytime opening was difficult for people with work, study, caring duties or other commitments. The market now opens from 11am to 1pm and from 6pm to 8pm.
Terry McTernan, Project Lead at Darkwood Crew, said: “When we started six years ago, I don’t think any of us imagined we would still be here in 2026 talking about more than 10,000 affordable shops, 81 tonnes of food redistributed and potentially £390,000 kept in the pockets of local families.
“Those numbers are incredible, but for me they only tell part of the story. Behind every one of them are people, volunteers giving their time, relationships being built, skills being shared and local people looking out for one another.
“Ferguslie Community Market has never simply been about handing out food. We wanted to create something based on dignity, choice and participation, where people aren’t defined by what they might need but recognised for what they can contribute.”
The market’s sixth birthday fell on Thursday, 10th September 2026. Darkwood Crew planned to share birthday cakes with visitors during both sessions and recognise the volunteers who have kept it running.