TikTok Sensation ‘Corn Kid’ Helps East Brunswick Food Bank Celebrate Anniversary

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – You may know him as the kid who went viral on social media after proclaiming his love for corn in a video for the web series “Recess Therapy”.

Tariq the “Corn Kid” is now a Middlesex County resident and using his fame to help families in need.

On May 11, Tariq was at Aldersgate Outreach Community Center, REPLENISH, to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

REPLENISH is Middlesex County’s food bank located in East Brunswick.

As part of this collaboration, Tariq 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,” Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios said. “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.”

Since his rise to fame, Tariq has been lending his voice 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,” Middlesex County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber said.

“REPLENISH is a lifeline for many in Middlesex County, by teaming up with Tariq, it is inspiring 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 that 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.

For more information on how to participate, or to donate or serve as a volunteer with REPLENISH, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/replenish.

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