“Nutrition is not just about eating. It’s about learning to live.” –  Patricia Comptton

Food and Nutrition is not just a subject—it is a way of life. It bridges the gap between health and knowledge, playing a vital role in shaping individual well-being and public health.
In the educational sphere, this innovative multidisciplinary science integrates sound knowledge of Food Chemistry, Nutritional Biochemistry, Food Microbiology and Human Physiology to help students understand how food affects the human body and how dietary choices can improve life quality. 
Thus, the thrust areas of the courses cover human nutrition, dietetics, community nutrition, food science, epidemiology and public health, geriatric nutrition, physiology, biochemistry, community Nutrition, microbiology, food preservation, sports nutrition, food fermentation and various other areas of science.
The Department of Food & Nutrition at Sister Nibedita Government General Degree College for Girls stands as a beacon of academic excellence and holistic education. It was founded in 2016 as an undergraduate honors course through the affiliation of the University of Calcutta. 
Due to the huge popularity of the subject due to its practical aspect and good job prospects, the department has been an important part of the institution since its establishment. Named after Sister Nivedita, the college embodies the ideals of women's empowerment and holistic education. The Food & Nutrition department follows in these footsteps, offering a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical understanding with practical application, fostering scientific temperament and empowering women with the knowledge and skills to become tomorrow's nutritionists, dietitians, educators, and health professionals.
With well-equipped laboratories, experienced faculty, and regular workshops, seminars, and outreach programs, the department cultivates critical thinking, research aptitude, and real-world problem-solving skills in its students.
The impressive academic ambiance of the department not only help the students in learning the subjects ,as well as inculcates creative thought and ideas where teaching goes beyond the curriculum to sow the seeds of social commitment to emerge themselves as responsible citizens.
At its core, the Food & Nutrition Department of this College is not just about food—it’s about life, growth, and a healthier future for all.

Vision:
To emerge as a centre of excellence in Food and Nutrition education, research, and innovation—empowering women to lead with knowledge, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit in addressing the nutritional and health challenges of society.

Mission:

The department of Food and Nutrition is committed to empowering women through globally benchmarked, value-based education that blends academic rigor with practical skills. By fostering innovation, research, and community engagement, the department nurtures skilled professionals in nutrition and health sciences. It emphasizes multidisciplinary learning, use of ICT tools, and dynamic teaching methods—such as group discussions, role-play, and smart classes—while promoting student participation in academic, co-curricular, and societal initiatives. Through holistic development, the department aims to cultivate socially responsible educators, researchers, and innovators capable of contributing meaningfully to public health and sustainable nutrition.

Uniqueness of the Department 

The department of Food and Nutrition at Sister Nibedita Government General Degree College for Girls, Calcutta, holds a historic and prestigious position as the first such department established in a Government Women’s College within Zone A after independence. 
Student’s profile indeed the most important thing to mention about the department, as most of the students are found to be regular, sincere and score good percentage of marks in the University exams.

SCOPE OF THE SUBJECTS:

I) Educational Scope:

1. Higher Studies:Food and Nutrition opens pathways to higher education and equipped undergraduate students to complete advanced degrees such as M.Sc., Ph.D., and postdoctoral studies.
2. Internships:
   Students may have opportunities to complete internships in hospitals, clinics, food processing companies, FSSAI or community health centers.
3. Research:
   After qualifying NET/SET students can apply in research projects related to various subject area under Food and nutrition.
4. Specialized course:
   Can go for specialized courses like diabetic educator, Post Graduate Vocational Course on 'Food and Drug Safety, Clinical Research associate:

II)  Career Scope 

1. Academic and Research Opportunities:It forms a strong foundation for careers in academia like under graduate colleges ,Universities, research institutions.
2. Healthcare and Clinical Practice: Immense scope to work as sports nutritionist, public health nutritionist or clinical dietitians in clinics, and wellness centers.
3. Food Industry and Entrepreneurship: There is immense scope in food product development, quality control, food preservation, and safety. Opportunities also exist in the packaged food industry, nutraceuticals, and startups focused on functional foods, organic products, and personalized nutrition solutions.
4. Education and Community Outreach: Job opportunity exists as educators, researchers, and community nutrition experts—spreading awareness and fostering healthy dietary practices, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Career Opportunities

Graduation in food & Nutrition opens door to a wide range of careers as well as for higher studies in Core/allied subject.These are the available job prospects:

1. Seek jobs in teaching and research in Colleges and Universities.
2. Become Dieticians and Nutrition Consultants in Hospitals, Health Departments, International Organizations and NGOs, Clinics Fitness Centers.
3. Explore Research and job prospects in organizations like WHO, UNICEF, CARE as food scientists.
4. Join Food processing, food research lab and preservation industry as research assistants, food analysts, demonstrators.
5. Initiate and sustain research, training, welfare programmes and services in community.
6. Become Project officers in NGOs, Public health programme, development officer for supplementary and weaning food preparations.
7. Work as Nutritionist in food and nutraceuticals industries.
8. Offer Consultancy in nutrition related media ads.
9. Choose Self-employment in Dietary counselling cell, hostels factories, cafeteria, bakery, confectionary, hotels, airlines and industrial canteens etc.

Prospect of the Subject