Food department originally can into being in Indo-Pak subcontinent during world war-II. At that time this department was named as “Civil Supplies.” Its main functions were to procure wheat, sugar, rice, cloth and other essential commodities whichever was found short and then distribute it through rationing to the general consumers.

The department of “Civil Supplies” was later on upgraded and converted into a full fledged department at Federal and Provincial level, with a new name of “Food Department” in 1970. With the improvement of availability position of sugar and rice, only wheat is left as a main concern of Food Department. Since October, 1999, it has been given the status of a separate Administrative Department by the Provincial Government of NWFP.

Food Department is administrative department of Government of NWFP headed by Secretary Food whereas Food Directorate NWFP is an attached Department. There are 1007 personnel working in Food Department which includes 167 Executive and remaining ministerial and other staff members. The Department is organized down at District Level. District Food Controller holds the charge of Field Office at District Level.