The Woodside Pantry, run by Fersands and Fountain SCIO, is a community-led initiative aimed at reducing food poverty and tackling food waste in the Woodside area of Aberdeen. It offers residents access to affordable groceries in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment—no means testing required. All you need is proof of a Woodside address to join.
Membership costs just £3 per year, renewed every October. Once you’re signed up, you can shop weekly for only £3 per visit. Each shop includes a minimum of 7 red items (valued under £1.50) and 3 blue items (valued over £1.50). On average, members take home £15–£20 worth of food each week, saving around £60 per month—a meaningful difference for many households.
The Pantry is open three times a week to suit different schedules: Tuesdays from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Whether you’re a parent, pensioner, student, or working professional, the Pantry is here to support you.
By redistributing surplus food and offering choice and dignity, the Woodside Pantry strengthens community resilience and promotes sustainability. It’s more than a place to shop—it’s a place to connect, save, and thrive.
The Fersands Preloved Charity Shop, based inside the Woodside Fountain Centre, is a welcoming space where affordability meets community spirit. Created in response to the cost-of-living crisis, the shop offers low-cost clothing, toys, homeware, and furniture.
Every purchase directly supports Fersands and Fountain SCIO’s free programmes, including youth clubs, gala days, holiday activities, and community meals. That means every pound spent goes back into building a stronger, more inclusive Woodside.
The shop is stocked with a wide range of preloved items, including clothing for all ages, toys and games, furniture, and household goods. Electrical items are also available and are PAT tested before resale to ensure safety. Whether you’re looking for a bargain or donating items too good to waste, the shop encourages sustainability and reuse.
Run by a dedicated team of volunteers, the space is kept tidy, friendly, and well-organised. It’s a place where people come not just to shop, but to connect—with neighbours, with purpose, and with the wider community.
The Fersands Preloved Charity Shop is open Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The Fersands Café, located inside the Woodside Fountain Centre, is a vibrant social enterprise built on compassion, connection, and good food. Launched in response to the cost-of-living crisis, the café has quickly become a lifeline for many in the Woodside community—offering affordable meals in a welcoming, inclusive space.
Open to everyone, the café serves a variety of home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, and sweet treats at low cost. The menu includes favourites like toasties, jacket potatoes, hearty mains, and breakfast rolls—all made with wholesome ingredients and priced to support families on tight budgets. Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or sitting down for a warm meal, the café is designed to make healthy eating accessible to all.
Beyond the food, the café is a place where friendships grow and community spirit thrives.
