U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken on Thursday announced more than $100 million for heating assistance for Minnesota seniors and families.

The money comes from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which they say many Minnesotans rely on during the winter months. The Minnesota Commerce Department says the program served about 133,000 Minnesota households last year.

“As Minnesota braces for winter, families shouldn’t have to choose between heating their homes or buying groceries,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “This funding from the Administration will provide support to help Minnesota families keep their homes safe and warm."

The money is used to reduce home heating costs by making grant payments directly to utility companies and heating fuel vendors.