I honestly don't understand the resistance. I like the food mechanic. It gives all that food a purpose, makes Goodberry more valuable, limits long rest, and you can actually have fun with it if you let yourself.

First night, party had fish from the beach with rum. Wanted to eat it up before it spoiled. Nothing worse than spoiled fish smell. 😄

But seriously, put the food items in a pack, send it to camp, when you're ready to rest, take it out. Viola! No real hindrance. Maybe, at most, a slight annoyance.