Taste of Home Competition Announces Winning Recipe

Taste of Home winner 5X��’s Dining Services recently hosted its annual Taste of Home competition and announced the winning dish: a turkey chili recipe submitted by Debbie McKinney, a Kent State parent.

The Taste of Home competition encourages students’ family members to submit recipes of their student’s favorite home-cooked meals for the chance to have it served on campus.

According to the Taste of Home webpage, “Kent State believes parents and grandparents are the best resource available to make our local menu more like home.”

McKinney surprised her daughter, Dana McKinney, a first-year photo illustration major, with the contest win.

“I honestly didn’t know that my mom entered the contest,” Dana McKinney says. “She didn’t tell me, so I was really excited when she did explain what it was, and I was surprised.”

McKinney’s chili was served at Eastway Café on Sept. 16 and in the Division of Student Affairs loge for Kent State’s football game on Sept. 17.

“I love her turkey chili, like all my friends and family do,” Dana McKinney says. “It’s her thing, and I was really excited and happy for her. She’s a really good cook.”

Students can submit recipes year-round through the Taste of Home submission form.

POSTED: Wednesday, October 5, 2016 04:24 PM

UPDATED: Sunday, June 14, 2026 09:30 PM

WRITTEN BY:

Gael Reyes

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