Food & Supplies Department was set up in West Bengal in the month of March,1943. The Department, being the administrative department, is the apex body under the state government. It is also responsible for the management of the food economy of the State and for taking policy decisions thereon. The Department has the dual responsibilities of procuring of food grains, distributing of food grains and some other essential commodities as well as for monitoring and enforcing orders enacted under the EC Act, 55. It keeps close watch on the stock position, price level, availability of essential commodities, including food, operation of Public Distribution System. It monitors the functioning of different directorates under it for implementation of different orders. 

The major objectives of the department are:

• Guarantee food security for the vulnerable and poor
• Deliver higher quality of services to citizens via PDS
• Empower citizens in PDS and Food security