ISELIN, N.J., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --McDonald's New York Tri-State area restaurants today announced the recipients of its first-ever New York Metro Nutrition Network grants.

The Nutrition Network, launched in March 2012, is a community outreach initiative designed to provide funds to local organizations to build or enhance existing grassroots nutrition programs and to partner with communities in advancing nutrition education. It is an extension of McDonald's company-wide commitment to offer improved nutrition alternatives and to help customers and their families make informed eating choices. The seed funding will allow the five selected organizations to bring nutrition information and guidance to their respective communities.

Recipients were evaluated based on a number of factors, including program reach, sustainability, uniqueness and financial need. Organizations were selected by a judging committee comprised of nutrition and nonprofit experts, McDonald's Owner/Operators and corporate representatives. The organizations are:

"As evident from the overwhelmingnumber of applications we received from organizations across the New York Tri-State, there is a real need for support of nutrition education for residents in our local communities," said Anthony Scari, president of the McDonald's New York Tri-State Owner/Operators Association. "Now more than ever, McDonald's is committed to supporting these efforts and we look forward to the work these organizations will perform for their constituents."

Each of the five organizations selected will be acknowledged with a presentation in their community in the upcoming weeks. Programs must be completed by December 31, 2012.

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.mcdonaldsnytristate.com or follow us on Twitter @McDNYTriState for information about other McDonald's area programs.

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McDonald's® Tri-State Owners Award Grants To Local Organizations To Support Community Nutrition Initiatives