By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that on Saturday, May 11, at Aldersgate Outreach Community Center, REPLENISH, Middlesex County’s food bank, joined forces with TikTok sensation Tariq the 'Corn Kid' for a heartwarming collaboration to support a local food pantry in honor of REPLENISH’s 30th anniversary.
As part of this collaboration, officials said, Tariq, a new County resident, participated in REPLENISH's on-the-ground distribution efforts by interacting with community members, working with donations, and distributing essential food items to the community.
“I’m so excited to have such a smart and charitable young man move to Middlesex County, and the timing with REPLENISH’s 30th anniversary could not be better,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“REPLENISH is an organization near and dear to my heart, so it means the world to me that Tariq would prioritize using his platform to help others in need.”
According to officials, since his rise to fame, Tariq has been lending his influential voice and infectious energy to raise awareness and support those in need through key partnerships, including City Harvest's Share Lunch Fight Hunger campaign, becoming a brand ambassador for food brand Green Giant, and even winning a Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Award.
“It’s no surprise to see that Tariq moved here and immediately looked to use his platform to support local food distribution organizations,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber.
“REPLENISH is a lifeline for many in Middlesex County, and teaming up with Tariq inspires other young people to get involved.”
In honor of its 30th anniversary, REPLENISH is currently running the “REPLENISH 30 for 30 Challenge,” a quarterly food drive designed to increase awareness of food insecurity, officials stated.
Officials said the challenge asks groups to donate 30 items from REPLENISH’s list of high-demand foods and necessities once per quarter in May, July, and October.
This food drive challenge is intended to bring awareness to food insecurity, a year-round issue, during months when donations may not be top-of-mind, officials say.
For more information on how to participate in the REPLENISH 30 for 30 Challenge, donate supplies, or serve as a volunteer with REPLENISH, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/replenish, officials stated.
Middlesex County officials said REPLENISH also accepts monetary donations in the form of a check payable to Feeding Middlesex County, which can be mailed to PO Box 781, Edison, NJ 08818, or made online via their website, feedingmiddlesexcounty.org.
