The Center for Nutritional Sciences was created in 1985 on a directive from former UF President Marshall Criser, to support a campus-wide initiative to bring together scientists and faculty from multiple disciplines whose research and academic interests include nutrition. UF competed nationally for funding for the Center and was successful in obtaining a Center of Excellence Award through the Pew Charitable Trusts’ National Nutrition Program.

The mission of the Center is to serve as a focal point for coordinating the University of Florida's nutrition activities related to instruction, research, and public service.

The Center capitalizes on the breadth of academic and research programs represented by 5 colleges at UF, including 11 departments and 30 internationally respected faculty. The Center therefore provides an exciting environment to explore most aspects of the nutrition field. Since its founding, the Center has hosted a vibrant seminar series, providing an important learning resource for graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, and Center alumni who are in professional and academic careers related to nutrition and the life sciences. The Center also features an interdisciplinary doctoral degree program in nutritional sciences.