Tens of thousands of Alaskans will lose access to expanded food stamp benefits in September after the state ends its public health emergency in July.

The end of additional benefits under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program comes as food aid groups say need is reaching previous pandemic highs while prices are soaring. Plus, other pandemic-era benefits, like the child tax credit and rental assistance, are expiring too, said Cara Durr, director of public engagement at the Food Bank of Alaska.

“We know families are struggling and they are turning to services,” Durr said. �...