HONOLULU (KHON2) — Experts predict higher costs for goods in the coming months due to tariffs for Canada and Mexico and officials said it’s not good for locals struggling to make ends meet.

Since COVID days, Central Union Church passes out free food every Wednesday to those in need with the help of the Hawaii Foodbank.

“The food they give us really helps,” said Midge Wright, a Honolulu resident. “They give a lot and it’s good things too. And then we share with others.”

“What’s nice is it’s not just for people on food stamps. It’s for everyone, so anyone can come,” said Brandy Withrow, Honolulu resident. “It just really helps to stretch out the cost of food.”

The church said it usually hands out about 600 bags, but recently that number’s gone up to about 800.

“Like for all of us, food prices are so high now, so I think just everybody needs whatever they can get,” said Joanne Matsumoto, Central Union Church Thrift Store Manager.

“They’re seeing that people are list shopping right now, coming into the stores and only buying what’s on the list or instead of buying two or three snack items, they may be buying one right now,” said Tina Yamaki, Retail Merchants of Hawaii.

Prices are expected to get higher once the effects from tariffs kick in, forcing many to tighten the budget elsewhere by possibly bargain hunting at the church’s thrift shop.

“I think for some people it is budget, and that’s why we offer the $1 clothes and sometimes we put a lot of free things out there because we know that’s what people need,” said Matsumoto.

All items here at the Central Union Church thrift shop are donated. If you’d like to donate, you can drop it off during store hours, every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Goodwill Hawaii also hopes to keep its donations flowing in. It says during tough times, customer counts usually increase, and donations decrease because people keep items for longer.

“That’s when the community needs those donations the most to have alternative items in the retail sector to purchase at a more affordable rate,” said Katy Chen, Goodwill Hawaii President & CEO. “So we really implore the community to please come out and donate, help your neighbor during these times.”

Goodwill Hawaii accepts donations at all its locations across Hawaii.

“We don’t know when it’s going to end,” said Yamaki. “We don’t know how long this is going to take place. And when it does end, are the tariffs going to be rolled back? Or the prices?”

With an uncertain future, every little bit helps.

“It’s a blessing,” said Withrow. “It’s a blessing to all of us so thank you God.”