Umoja Health names Chris Woods president of Umoja Food For Health

Woods to lead the nonprofit's food access and nutrition programs

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Umoja Health, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on improving community health, has promoted Chris Woods to serve as the president of its Umoja Food For Health division. In this new role, Woods will oversee the organization's efforts to increase access to nutritious foods and provide nutrition education programs in underserved neighborhoods.

Why it matters

Umoja Health's mission to address health disparities and improve community wellness aligns with growing national efforts to combat food insecurity and diet-related diseases, particularly in low-income urban areas. Woods' appointment signals the organization's commitment to expanding its food access and nutrition initiatives.

The details

As president of Umoja Food For Health, Woods will be responsible for managing the nonprofit's network of community food pantries, mobile produce markets, and nutrition classes. He will also oversee partnerships with local urban farms, grocery stores, and meal delivery services to bring affordable, healthy options to residents in Chicago's food deserts.

  • Umoja Health announced Woods' promotion on February 12, 2026.

The players

Umoja Health

A Chicago-based nonprofit focused on improving community health and addressing health disparities.

Chris Woods

The newly appointed president of Umoja Food For Health, Umoja Health's division focused on food access and nutrition programs.

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What they’re saying

“Improving access to nutritious foods and empowering people to make healthier choices are critical to addressing the root causes of poor health in our communities. I'm excited to lead Umoja Food For Health's efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

— Chris Woods, President, Umoja Food For Health (PRNewswire)

What’s next

Umoja Food For Health plans to expand its network of community food pantries and mobile produce markets in the coming year, with a goal of reaching more residents in Chicago's food deserts.

The takeaway

Umoja Health's promotion of Chris Woods to lead its food access and nutrition initiatives underscores the organization's commitment to addressing health disparities through innovative community-based programs that improve access to healthy foods and empower residents to make nutritious choices.