So, do the villagers eat on their own, do you have to tell them to eat, or both?

Also, for those who have been playing a long time and are really good at this game is it best to pause when you leave the game for a long period of time?

I also seem to run out of food before I can do anything else and it take FOREVER to get tech points. I keep starting over because all of my people are dying of starvation before anything else and no one want to "procreate" because everyone is hungry. What is the best way to insure plenty of food?

Thanks for the advice, just trying to learn how to play. Right now, for me, it's like watching a train wreck. I'm no good at it, but I can't help but go back and see the distruction.