ISELIN, N.J., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --McDonald's New York Tri-State area restaurants today announced the return of the McDonald's New York Metro Nutrition Network, a community outreach initiative implemented last year to provide grants to local organizations that focus on nutrition programs. Through the program, New York Tri-State McDonald's restaurant owners are teaming up with Dasani to offer seed money to help local organizations bring nutrition information and guidance to the communities they serve. McDonald's will be offering $25,000 worth of grant funding, while Dasani will offer an additional $5,000.

In addition to providing seed funding to community organizations, McDonald's is collaborating with the American Diabetes Association to help consumers make informed decisions at McDonald's. McDonald's had a booth at the organization's Expo on March 9, 2013, to distribute literature and wholesome menu items.

"The McDonald's Tri-State Owner/Operators Association is thrilled to be launching the Nutrition Network program for the second year," said Anthony Scari, president of the McDonald's New York Tri-State Owner/Operators Association. "After seeing the response from organizations in need across the Tri-State last year, it's become increasingly apparent how important it is that we do our part to support organizations that align with our commitment to nutrition awareness."

The McDonald's "Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choice" initiative strives to help customers make informed choices. The brand will continue to seek to provide customers with wholesome menu items including the new Egg White Delight McMuffin, which will be available at participating restaurants nationwide this Spring.

To further educate consumers on wholesome choices, McDonald's is teaming up with Registered Dietitian Sharon Richter for the second year in order to help spread the nutrition message and show customers how McDonald's can be incorporated into a balanced diet. Richter was present at the American Diabetes Expo on March 9, and will also participate in judging applications submitted by non-profits.

"I'm extremely excited to be working with McDonald's again this year," said Sharon Richter, RD. "As a brand that feeds millions of customers a day, it's wonderful that these Owner/Operators are taking a stand and getting out in the community to help spread awareness in their communities."

McDonald's New York Metro Nutrition Network applications will be evaluated based on the expected impact of the proposed program on nutrition awareness in the community. This year, McDonald's has teamed up with Dasani who will offer an additional grant, so that six organizations will be selected. Each winning organization will be acknowledged with a presentation in their community. Tri-State area non-profit organizations can find the application at http://www.McDNYMetroNutritionNetwork.com. The submission deadline is May 15, 2013.

Last year's grant recipients included: Let's Celebrate (Hudson County, New Jersey); SoBro (Bronx, New York); Star Inc., Fairfield (Fairfield, Connecticut); Hillside Food Outreach (Westchester, New York); Island Harvest (Long Island, New York).

ABOUT McDONALD'S NEW YORK TRI-STATE RESTAURANTS: McDonald's is one of the world's best-known brands and is a global leader in food service. There are more than 600 McDonald's restaurants, owned by over 100 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Tri-State area. Visit http://www.mcdonaldsnymetro.com or follow us on Twitter @McDNYTriState for information about other McDonald's area programs.

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McDonald's® Tri-State Restaurant Owners Launch Second Annual Nutrition Network Fund To Support Community Nutrition ...