That's how I play it dansmot. As long as the food bin doesn't go below five hundred, I don't let them harvest food. I also pause the game till the time comes for the chief to grant more food. I also plck up the fruit that falls on the ground as it gives 4 food and 12 food on every fourth fruit drop. I also hunt for mushrooms when I'm in the game as well, it's great when you get the red ones.