I wonder, too. Why not just go back one or two levels up and rest there - and while you're at it, get some food as well.

Level 6 then, thanks. ;)

I'll rely on that info and will take my sweet time in level 5 now, so when my starving team doesn't get any food then, it will be your fault! ;)

Yup, that's where I am right now. I've got a Fire Mage along for the ride (aptly named "New prisoner" - they should have implemented a warning when you try to start the game without naming all your chars!!), so the Fire Elementals aren't my favorite enemies. But my Minotaurs do get them chopped. I think I'll take a few more jumps down the trap doors...

You have Fire Shield, you know. Dropping their damage output against your whole party probably helps more than adding more offense.

My problem is that I didn't actually understand the food mechanic until around level 2. I thought food restored health or something and had wasted it all by the time I started level 3. I've been starving ever since and am stuck at the beginning of level 4. Thinking of starting over now.

"Archives" is level 4.

There are respawning enemies on three levels (if you don't count the battle at the end of the game): skeletons on level 4, skeletons, snails, and fire archons on level 6, and ice lizards on level 10(?). The snails and lizards can both drop food items when killed.

If you run out of food, your party members will resort to eating each other! No, that's not true, but there's an idea for a mod...
I played to almost the end of the game, and was getting by with just enough food.
Then I started a new party, and had an overabundance of food most of the time! I guess experience counts for something.
And, like previously said, there are spots where food creatures respawn. But hopefully you won't need to constantly seek them out.