SIMS 2: Simmers won't tend to their hunger even if starving

I know that it's an old game and that probably no one will answer but this is the only way apparently.

I have all the expansions packs for the Sims 2, just to clarify and NO I do NOT use origin. 

The issue is that my simmers won't make food even if they are starving. They do make food if I force them to, but if I forget to check on one of them, they might die from starvation (and yes, free will is enabled). Nothing is blocked, they make the food if I say so like I said, so that's not the issue. Instead they obsess with talking with someone or going on the computer.

I have tried to clear the cache - did not work. 

Please help you guys!