NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — SNAP benefits have officially expired, leaving hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents without critical food assistance.

The Trump administration has until 5 p.m. Monday to respond to a ruling which could allow the use of contingency funds to keep the program running during the ongoing government shutdown. However, several people told News 8 their SNAP cards were not reloaded. 

Where to find food assistance in Connecticut as SNAP benefits lapse

In the meantime, families across the state are struggling to put food on the table.

At the Fair Haven Community Health Care Center in New Haven, hundreds lined up early Thursday morning for a chance to receive a $75 food voucher. 

“It’s a blessing, it’s a blessing,” one woman said, clutching her voucher after hours in line.

Among those waiting was Nelida Melendez, a mother determined to feed her two children ages 7 and 13. 

“I’m trying to look for pantries and just stretch what we have,” she said.

Bundled in coats and carrying folding chairs, families braved the cold for a chance to receive a voucher. Many said their SNAP payments have stopped entirely.

“No food, no money, no nothing … trying to survive,” Linda Lopez said. “It is very difficult.” 

The Fair Haven Community Health Care Center partnered with local vendors to distribute 100 food vouchers daily to patients this week, beginning each morning at 8 a.m.

“We anticipated this because we know how bad the need is,” Dr. Suzanne Lagarde, CEO of the health center, said. “Resources are severely limited … but we will do it again tomorrow, the day after tomorrow as long as SNAP benefits remain unavailable to our patients.”

Connecticut officials Monday confirmed the Connecticut State Department of Education has received the United States Department of Agriculture funding necessary to support reimbursements for October and November meal claims.

They said the department continues to access, without interruption, all entitlement funds that have been awarded to Connecticut.

For additional resources on where to find food assistance: Where to find food assistance in Connecticut as SNAP benefits lapse.

Watch video below. Credit to WTNH for the story.