I'm still not quite sure how I feel about Newman's Own partnering with McDonald's [1]. Does it debase Paul Newman and the virtuous brand he's built, or does it redeem McDonald's from the bad rap that its suffered from exposes like SuperSize Me [2]? I supposed that, much like behemoth companies like Wal-Mart [3] jumping on the organic [3] food bandwagon, McDonalds' nutritional efforts at least will serve to publicize and educate consumers about better eating habits.

I decided to do a little investigation of the Web sites of various fast-food chains to see what each of them are doing to help their customers eat better, or to reduce their detrimental impact on the environment. Here's what I found out.


Burger King
Grade: A
This year, Burger King [4] seems to be really making an effort both to improve the nutritional quality of its food and to reduce its carbon footprint. Earlier this month, it formed a nutritional advisory panel to help support its health and nutrition initiative, called Positive Steps. There's also a new kids' meal on the menu, featuring "Fresh Apple Fries," fresh apple cut to look like French fries. And also later this year, the company will release its first Corporate Social Responsibility report, which will highlight some of the its efforts, such as its new, more efficient restaurant design and the implementation of a new broiler that conserves energy and decreases gas consumption.

McDonald's
Grade: B
So you can have a better idea of what you're putting into your mouth, McDonald's [5] has an interactive feature on its Web site where you can assemble a meal from its menu items, and get the nutritional information. Similarly, McDonald's has a "Mighty Kids" program that "helps you choose foods that best meet your child's nutrition needs," but it turns out that the choices are limited to McNuggets, Double Hamburgers and Double Cheeseburgers, none of which seem particularly nourishing for a growing kid. McDonald's is even trying to capitalize on the "farm to table" movement; the company says on its Web site that it's working on photo essays [6] of some of the farms that grow its foodstuffs. The company also has brought Bob Greene and Dr. Dean Ornish on board as "Wellness Experts" to consult on menu items and wellness initiatives.


Wendy's
Grade: C
Wendy's [7] doesn't seem to be as gung-ho on embracing the environmental and nutrition trends. Like McDonald's, it has partnered with a salad dressing supplier, in this case, Marzetti preservative-free dressings. Its kid's meals are limited to chicken nuggets or burgers, but kids can substitute mandarin oranges and low-fat milk for fries and soda. The company also pays some attention to special diets; a list of gluten-free menu items is available on its Web site.


Taco Bell
Grade: F
Taco Bell [8] flunks, at least in my eyes, for the creation of the "Fourth Meal [9]" concept, an extra meal (of tacos or Seven-Layer Burritos, natch) squeezed in between dinner and breakfast. Instead of nutritional information and environmental do-goodery, the Mexican chain's web site features games like "Be the Photographer," a simulated photo shoot with bikini-clad supermodel Daniela. Yuck!


Subway
Grade: A-
A decade after losing more than 200 pounds by a diet mainly based on low-fat Subway [10] sandwiches, Jared is still going strong as a spokesperson for the sandwich chain and its healthy offerings (lay off the cheese, mayo and creamy dressings, though). On the other hand, the company's promoting "The Feast," a sandwich that contains pretty much every type of meat on the menu (five varieties in all), plus cheese. (I was curious to know how fattening this sandwich is, but The Feast is not listed on Subway's online nutritional chart). For kids, Subway appears to be a great option; the "Fresh Fit for Kids" menu has mini subs, accompanied by fresh apple slices or raisins and lowfat milk or raisins. On an eco front, Subway's efforts are impressive. The company has been making its operations more environmentally friendly with low-flow sinks, hormone-free milk, recycled plastic and paper and biodegradable cleansers. The company is even starting to roll out LEED-certified "Eco-Stores."

Fast food restaurants are not, and will never be, a regular part of my family's weekly mealtime routine, but it's nice to know that, in a pinch, there are options that I can feel good about choosing.