Why is food needed?

[rdermyer]

I think I read a suggestion that whenever players take out a group of humanoids (orcs, kobolds, novice rogues, trolls, etc) that a chest of consumables be dropped: food, torches and/or oil, and some of the common potions and scrolls.

Thematically, this is appropriate: a tribe of kobolds or an orcish war-party is going to have supplies. In terms of game-mechanics, this helps to ensure that players who are diving don't have to return to town.

Alternatively, any target which is humanoid could have a chance to drop consumables (primarily food). Also, any mushroom(,) or mold(m) could have a chance to drop Slime Molds & Mushrooms.

I really like this idea. We did move towards archers dropping arrows, right? This is in the same line of thought.

Although really, what the OP should have done is 'R'ested for some long number of turns - you can enter a number instead of leaving it & and it wakes you up if something happens, including hunger or monsters.