Make host family homestay meal times easier by serving buffet style or embracing one pot cooking.
I have a family of five members and we often have 2 students, so 7 people are at my table. Plating up individually is too time-consuming and I find it often contributes to waste.
So when I lay my table it pretty much comes straight from the stove. Everyone then serves themselves as much rice, meat, or vegetables as they want and less gets thrown in the bin.
Don’t be afraid to offer for your guests the leftovers for their lunch the following day. Quite often other cultures enjoy a hot lunch, which they can reheat at uni or work. My guests have really appreciated their hot lunches.