Barilla launches photo contest with college tuition as first prize

Barilla, a pasta and sauce maker with U.S. headquarters in Bannockburn, is partnering with actress Lori Loughlin to help provide tips for getting kids involved in mealtime preparation and creating nutritious recipes.

The company is also joining with NickJr in hosting a photo contest to give parents a chance to show off their children and win college tuition. Through June 28, parents can enter the contest by uploading photos of their children enjoying or preparing Barilla Piccolini, which means "little ones" in Italian. The year-old pasta line was designed with children in mind. The bite-size classic pasta shapes cooks in seven minutes catering to the busy family.

Entries will be judged by Barilla based on creativity and originality. One grand prize winner will receive $25,000 in tuition money. And 10 first place winners will earn $1,000 in tuition money while 100 second place winners will receive a digital picture frame. To enter, visit piccoliniSmiles.com.

Barilla, originally established in 1877 as a bread and pasta shop in Parma, Italy, owns 54 production facilities and exports to more than 125 countries.