Have another suggestion for gameplay.
To go along with hunger, what about thurst?
Everyone needs water.
You could collect buckets of water from a water source near by or by building a well that could be in the middle of your village/ city square.(just like picking berries)
Water could also be used by crafters too:
weavers to make dyes
Masons to make bricks and cobblestone.
blacksmiths to help forge weapons and armour
Magma-smiths can use water to cool and solidify magma when making whatever it is they will craft.
Brew-masters will definitely need it to create delicious ales
any thoughts on this concept?