Years before the elevation of the Department of Human Nutrition and Food to an Institute in 1988, Food and Nutrition was already a well-defined area in the then Department of Home Technology. In 1974, when the latter was ele vated into the new Institute of Human Ecology, Nutrition was only one of the Institute's five operational areas. Nutrition was no longer confined merely to studies about biological utilization of food, but was recognized to be a priority area in integrat ed rural development. Such change in perspective was carried onto its transformation into a Department of Human Nutrition and Food when the Institute was given the status of College in 1983.

Today, the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food reflects its lessons learned throughout the years and searches for new approaches and strategies. There are three divisions namely: Food Management and Administration, Nutrition Policies and Programs, and Nutritional Science.

The Regional Training Programme on Food and Nutrition Planning, now a special program under the Institute, continues to provide an advanced training leading to the degree of Master of Professional Studies in Food and Nutrition Planning (MPS-FNP). The Programme also participates in research and extension functions guided by the UPLB Philosophy that instruction, research and extension are interrelated and mutually reinforcing.