I'm guessing this whole food argument has something to do with being able to spam long rest. If this is the case I think they should make it so there are only specific places you can long rest safely like an inn or an area obviously guarded. But if the player takes a long rest in a place like a forest or cave were there is bound to be danger; there should be random encounters, and you should have to pay a food price. "unlimited food" isn't the issue. The issue is long rest itself isn't balance. The fact I can long rest in a cave with giant hostile spiders without consequences is a problem. Also food shouldn't have healing properties in battle or otherwise.
