Food, Dietary Needs & Meals

The Basics

What are the expectations and requirements when it comes to meals and snacks?

Host families are required to provide their student with three meals a day plus snacks. For host families, that means including your student in your normal routine and making room for another person at your table, not cooking separate meals or transforming your grocery list. For students, that means sharing in whatever your host family is already cooking, and along the way, probably trying a few things you never expected to love. The exchange experience is built around sharing everyday life, and food is a natural part of that.

What about school lunch?

Host families are responsible for providing their student with lunch, which usually means simply having food available at home that the student can use to prepare lunch for themself. If a student chooses to buy lunch at school, that is their personal expense. But the choice has to be theirs.

What is considered a reasonable amount of food to provide?

Host families are expected to provide reasonable, adequate meals for their student. Every student is different, and appetites can vary significantly, especially among teenagers. A little adjustment is normal and expected. That said, host families are not expected to accommodate consumption that goes well beyond what a typical household provides. If a student's appetite is putting a real strain on the grocery budget, that is exactly the kind of thing your local EF coordinator is there to help with.

Managing Dietary Preferences (Vegan, Vegetarian, etc.)

What if a student is vegan or vegetarian?

A vegan or vegetarian diet does not mean the household menu needs to change. Many meals are easy to adapt with small adjustments, like setting aside a portion before adding meat or dairy. We recommend having an early, honest conversation about the family's typical meals and the student's dietary needs. A little flexibility and communication on both sides goes a long way.

Who is responsible for purchasing specialty food items like tofu, plant-based substitutes, and so on?

Just like personal toiletries, specialty food items tied to a student's dietary preferences aren't something host families are expected to cover. That said, host families should make a genuine effort to prepare meals the student can eat, even if that means a small adjustment here and there. Students should budget their personal spending money for anything beyond that. Host families can make a big difference simply by helping them find the right store or getting them there

What if I want to purchase some specialty items for my student? Is that okay?

Of course. Many host families are happy to pick up a few extra items, and that generosity is a meaningful part of making a student feel welcome. The important thing to understand is that it is your choice, not an obligation. Being clear about that from the start, with yourself and with your student, helps prevent any misunderstanding about what is expected going forward.

Additional Dietary Needs

What if a student has religious dietary restrictions?

Religious dietary practices like halal or kosher are an important part of a student's identity. Host families are not expected to restructure their kitchen or source certified products, but they are expected to be considerate. That means not regularly centering meals around foods the student cannot eat, and being upfront about ingredients so the student can make an informed choice.

Who pays for halal-certified or kosher-certified products?

Certified specialty products are the student’s responsibility. Host families are not expected to take on the additional cost of sourcing certified items. Where host families can genuinely help is with access, being willing to make a trip to a store that carries what the student needs, or helping them identify local options for groceries.

What if a student's dietary needs are medical?

When a student has a diagnosed condition that affects what they can safely eat (e.g. Celiac Disease), EF works to match them with a host family who is aware and comfortable accommodating it before placement is confirmed. Host families who are matched with a student with a medical dietary need should understand that this comes with a higher level of responsibility than a lifestyle preference. That may mean purchasing specific food items and ensuring meals are prepared safely. Your local EF coordinator will walk you through exactly what to expect before the year begins.

What about minor food sensitivities, like lactose intolerance?

Minor sensitivities that cause discomfort but do not pose a medical risk are handled similarly to dietary preferences. Host families should be aware and considerate, but specialty substitute products, such as lactose-free milk, are the student’s personal expense unless you choose to provide them.

Making It Work in Practice

What is the best way to start a conversation about food?

Early and honestly. In the first few days, host families and students should take some time to talk through what the family normally eats, what the student can and cannot eat, and how specialty items will be handled. It can feel awkward at first, but a straightforward conversation early on sets a much healthier tone than letting assumptions build up. Think of it as part of the same orientation conversation that covers house rules and daily routines.

What if the food situation is not working out?

Both host families and students should reach out to their local EF coordinator. Food and meal adjustments are one of the most common topics that come up in the first few weeks, and there are almost always practical solutions. The sooner it gets raised, the easier it is to address.

Food is one of the most powerful parts of cultural exchange. Here is how to make the most of it.

Food is such an important part of every cultural exchange! It carries our histories, traditions and memories in a way that very little else does, and an exchange year is a rare opportunity to share that with someone else. Share the stories behind your own families’ meals and traditions. Cook together, trying new recipes, new ingredients and new techniques. Stay open to new favorites and build new traditions.

Food is more than just fuel. It is one of the best ways to get to know each other. Bon appétit!