Hi Deanna. Are you playing on Desktop (Windows/Mac) or Mobile (iOS, Android, or Kindle fire) or both? If you're playing on Desktop, see my reply to you
here. On Mobile there are In-App purchases (aka IAP's) for both Tech points and Food, as well as some other goodies. I'm mentioning it because this is the forum for Virtual Villagers Origins for iOS.
It's really important not to grow your tribe too quickly or else the villagers are in danger of starvation.
Have you checked out the
Strategy Guide and Puzzle Hints yet?