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Our Purpose

High school students turning weekend baking into direct comfort for NYC neighbors.

Dulcis Spes is a youth-led initiative bringing home-baked treats and human connection to unhoused and low-income individuals in New York City.

Dulcis Spes is Latin for "Sweet Hope." It supplements the Latin principle of Pasce famelicos ("feed the hungry").

We noticed while volunteering at various soup kitchens around the city, that dessert was often omitted from the guest's menu.

Most food service organizations focus on providing staples, and dessert is often overlooked or, if provided, limited to pre-packaged cookies or granola bars. This is because soup kitchens rely heavily on surplus food, approved grant purchases and corporate donations meaning dessert availability is limited.

It is our hope that by serving homemade sweets with their routine soup kitchen/food pantry meals that individuals who often are given just basic dinner will be pleasantly surprised with the addition of a treat.

Our Beginning

From home ovens to NYC service organizations

Founded by two high school siblings, Alisha and Nikhil Parikh, Dulcis Spes grew from a simple idea: that a home-baked dessert could open a door to conversation and bring a moment of sweet comfort. We started in our own kitchen, sharing treats with neighbors in need, and quickly realized the impact of direct, consistent outreach.

Our Principles

Dignity in every service

Dignity First

Community Connection

Youth-Led Impact

We prioritize respectful interaction, consent, and anonymity. Our treats are shared as gifts, fostering genuine human connection without judgment or expectation.

Beyond baking, we aim to build bridges. Each food delivery is an opportunity for authentic conversations and a consistent presence in our NYC neighborhoods.

Our initiative is powered by high school students, turning weekend baking into tangible, direct support for our unhoused and low-income NYC neighbors.

Email for upcoming bake dates

Ready to share sweet comfort?

Join our student bakers or offer kitchen space to support food production for our NYC neighbors.