In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Belmont High School student Nilay Narayan noticed the loneliness many in the community were experiencing, particularly during conversations with his own grandparents.
“I could tell they were very lonely, and I thought I could try to make an impact on the Belmont community and combat loneliness,” he said.
He was in seventh grade at the time. With friends, he started baking. On an informal basis, the group delivered the baked goods to the Beech Street Center.
“On those goods, we’d put little notes of kindness,” he said. “That would add … the human element; it would make it known there was a person behind [the baked good].”
Baking became a hobby and soon a passion. Now a high school sophomore, Narayan, 16, said he likes baking cakes best, specifically carrot cakes.
“Before, I used to strictly follow recipes and try to pay attention to the ingredients,” he said. “But as I progressed, I started to innovate myself and add my own ingredients.”
Last year, Narayan formalized his group into a club at the high school, Youth Community Bakers. The number of students who bake each week depends on availability, but he said he generally has between five and 10 students baking on average. Typically, they bake over the weekend, and the goods are dropped off on Mondays.
“It’s a simple and easy way to give back to the community,” said Belmont High sophomore Timikha Mukwazhi, 15.
For Hao Hung, 16, it was a way to share the baked goods he enjoyed making, regardless.
Deliveries include anything from bread and cookies to brownies and pies. On a recent Monday, the students delivered shortbread and chocolate chip cookies and muffins.
“Seniors love sweets, especially home-baked goodies,” said Anita Hume, a volunteer at the center. “[The baked goods] are always such a treat for people.”
Jim Fahey, a regular member of the center, said all the seniors “enjoy it thoroughly.”
“There’s no arm-twisting for that,” he said.
Senior Services Coordinator Aimee Lebrun said she loved that the idea came from the students.
“We love to see teenagers supporting the seniors … with such generosity,” she said. “It feels like such an act of kindness … literally providing food for our seniors.”
They love the notes, too, she added.
“It means a lot,” she said. “It’s a terrific program and we’re really happy to support it.”
Now, a few years after the pandemic, Narayan said his family is excited that he has found a way to create a community.
“They were really happy to hear I was engaging with the community and reaching out and establishing that connection between the young generation and the older generation.”
According to Narayan, Youth Community Bakers is always looking for new additions to the club. Anyone interested is welcome to reach out to Narayan directly at nilayn207@gmail.com.
