U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wants nearly $2 billion in funding for nutritional programs meant to benefit older Americans. 

Gillibrand is calling for funding for the program as it turns 50 and has provided food and nutritional services for senior centers, home deliveries and funding for local agencies. 

The New York senator is backing $1.93 billion in funding for the program. 

“As a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I am committed to fighting food insecurity and ensuring that our older adults have access to healthy and affordable meals,” she said. “Bolstering the Older Americans Act nutritional programs is a vital step to addressing the unique barriers older Americans face in accessing food. I’m proud to lead the call for nearly $2 billion in funding for the OAA so that everyone has food on the table during the holiday season and beyond.”

Gillibrand's office estimates about 5.2 million older adults living in the U.S. were considered food insecure in 2020. That includes 7.6% of the older adults living in New York state, she said. The population in the United States is age overall, with more than 75 million people aged 60 years or older. 

About 11 million people, including older Americans and their caregivers, have received support under the program, including transportation services, nutritional support and activities to support wellness.