The next COVID-19 stimulus package should include $1.4 billion funding for programs meant to help older Americans, including aid for nutritional services and vaccinations, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said.

The money would be put toward programs within the Older Americans Act. As proposed by Senate lawmakers, $750 million would be used for nutritional services and $480 million for the vaccinations of older adults who are considered especially vulnerable to the coronavirus.

At the same time, older adults have lost access to emergency food programs during the pandemic or those programs have been scaled back amid the crisis.

"As Congress considers additional relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we urge you to prioritize nutrition programs and vaccine support for homebound and socially isolated older adults," the lawmakers said in a statement issued by Gillibrand's office.

"Specifically, we request that the next COVID-19 relief package include $1.4 billion in funding for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs, including $750 million for OAA Title III-C Nutrition Services, which critically support the delivery of nutritious meals to older adults throughout the country."