Really? I had more trouble with VV2, regarding food. VV2 was more deceptive; you have fish from the beginning, but fish run out without warning. VV3 starts you with more limited food supplies, and presents more challenges to expanding your supply, but I think your limitations are clearer and more straightforward.

And seriously; 17 villagers without an assured supply of food? That's asking for a disaster. The trees may provide 1000 food each, but your villagers eat 30 food each, per hour. 10 villagers eat around 780 food per day, and children eat just as much as adults.