"Isn't food quite necessary for survival? Surely if we explain how terribly hungry we are..."

He seems confused, but then sighs and shrugs.

"Perhaps. Well, what could we possibly trade for food? I have nothing but the clothes on my back, and I assure you I'm not trading that!"

Well, he has his bow, but he'd also rather not trade that.

"Is there aught we could create for anyone?"

We, meaning... Emet-Selch. He'd rather let his friend do the work here.