The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has introduced a pilot program aimed at supporting 1,250 families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, primarily in Camden County. Each selected family will receive a one-time $200 grant to help pay utility bills. The initiative is part of Governor Mikie Sherrill’s broader effort to make New Jersey more affordable and improve government services for residents.
Funding for the program comes from the American Water Charitable Foundation, with administration by Promise, a technology company focused on delivering aid efficiently to low-income populations. Gateway WIC is leading implementation efforts in Camden County with NJDOH’s support.
This announcement follows rising heating costs during winter months and recent increases in household energy prices across New Jersey. For parents and expectant families—already facing demanding circumstances—these financial pressures can have lasting effects on child health outcomes.
Governor Sherrill stated, “My Administration is committed to exploring every option available to reduce utility costs for New Jersey families. This pilot program targeting those enrolled in WIC is a great example of the innovative solutions we are bringing forward as part of our mission to deliver direct relief to those who need it most.”
Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Acting Commissioner of Health, said, “Healthy families need stable homes, and that includes being able to keep the lights on and heat running. This pilot program recognizes what we know is true: financial security is deeply tied to physical and mental health. By providing assistance efficiently directly to families who need it most, we are supporting both the well-being of New Jersey’s youngest residents and the parents working hard to care for them.”
Eligible families are randomly selected to ensure fairness and allow an impartial assessment of the pilot’s impact among WIC participants in Camden County and other areas. Recipients may apply their $200 grant toward gas, electricity or water accounts without any application process or additional steps required.
Albert B. Kelly, President & CEO of Gateway Community Action Partnership—which manages WIC in Camden County—noted: “For families with young children, the stress of keeping up with utility bills can seriously affect health and well-being. This pilot removes barriers and brings help directly when it’s needed most. By connecting utility assistance with WIC services, we’re addressing real challenges simply, respectfully and effectively.”
Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, Co-founder & CEO of Promise added: “This collaboration with the state of New Jersey and American Water Charitable Foundation shows what’s possible when states lead with data and technology serving people. By securely integrating state data and applying Artificial Intelligence, we’re transforming how assistance is delivered: reducing friction points, removing guesswork—and getting help out faster where it matters most.”
Lisa Asare from the New Jersey Maternal & Infant Health Innovation Authority commented: “Too many New Jersey families are forced into impossible choices between keeping lights on or meeting basic needs… When we support families with young children we invest in healthier homes, stronger communities—and fairer solutions for rising utility costs.”
Christine Guhl-Sadovy from the Board of Public Utilities said: “At a time when extreme cold is driving up utility costs for New Jerseyans this aid will help lower energy bills for Camden families… This program demonstrates that government agencies work alongside private sector partners to support residents when they need it most.”
Each year more than 250,000 people benefit from WIC services statewide—including access to healthy foods; nutrition education; breastfeeding support; plus referrals for health or social services eligibility requires income at or below 185% federal poverty level ($59,478/year for family-of-four).
The pilot works closely with participating utilities such as PSE&G; South Jersey Gas; Atlantic City Electric; New Jersey American Water—to ensure timely application of funds.
By combining private philanthropy nonprofit expertise public infrastructure—the project tests new approaches that could inform future efforts serving vulnerable groups across New Jersey.
On her first day as governor Sherrill declared a state emergency over utility costs after residential electricity prices rose over 33% between 2023–2025 issuing executive orders directing bill credits suspending rate hikes while expanding generation capacity—all aimed at helping residents cope with higher expenses.
The new pilot complements these actions by focusing assistance on economically vulnerable households with small children—where service interruptions or payment struggles can have far-reaching impacts on health stability.
