The Olmecs were not primarily hunters and gatherers. While hunting and gathering did form part of their subsistence activities, they were primarily maize farmers who depended on agriculture as their main source of food. The Olmecs cultivated a variety of crops including maize, beans, squash, and cacao, and they developed complex irrigation and agricultural techniques to sustain their population.
In addition to agriculture, the Olmecs also practiced fishing, hunting, and trapping to supplement their diet. They hunted animals such as deer, rabbits, and tapirs, and they fished in rivers and estuaries for fish, shellfish, and other aquatic resources. However, these activities served as secondary sources of food, and the Olmecs relied heavily on agriculture to sustain their civilization.