In response to the need for greater nutrition awareness on the community level, the New York Tri-State McDonald's Restaurant Owners are offering seed grants to local organizations to spur grassroots nutrition initiatives in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Applications are currently being accepted; submission deadline is June 1, 2012.

"As local business owners, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve and this program helps us bring McDonald's nutrition commitments to our customers," says Anthony Scari, president of the McDonald's New York Tri-State Owner/Operators Association.

"We look forward to celebrating those organizations whose projects help people make informed food choices."

Applications will be evaluated based on a number of factors including the impact of the proposed program on nutrition awareness in the community. Tri-State area non-profit organizations can obtain an application at www.McDNYMetroNutritionNetwork.com.

Completed applications should be mailed to:  McDonald's Owners/Operators Association; Attention: McDonald's New York Metro Nutrition Network; PO Box 280; Little Falls, NJ 07424. 

Celebrated dietician and best-selling author of The F Factor Diet Tanya Zuckerbrot, RD, MS, will serve on the selection panel. 

She states, "As a nutrition and diet expert, I know that improved well-being begins with incremental change, and I'm very excited to be part of this campaign to make nutritional information accessible to all."

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

Charitable Giving, News, McDonald's