SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bootheel Food Bank received a national award Thursday for its efforts against hunger.

U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, presented food bank officials with the Victory Against Hunger Award.

Emerson said the award, which comes with a $1,000 private grant, is one of only nine presented nationally by the Congressional Hunger Center -- an anti-hunger advocacy group based in Washington, D.C.

"The Sikeston Bootheel Food Bank has been there for nearly a decade now meeting the community's needs," Emerson said in making the presentation. "As is the basis for the Victory Against Hunger Award, this food bank illustrates how local folks can work together on the front lines to fight hunger across the country.

"The Sikeston Bootheel Food Bank puts to work the adage of `people helping people,'" said Emerson.

"Congressman Emerson and this food bank have been partners in eliminating hunger in Southeast Missouri for a long time," said Dorene Johnson, the food bank's executive director.

The Victory Against Hunger Award is funded by a private donation from the Victory Wholesale Grocers of Springboro, Ohio. Each member of the Congressional Hunger Caucus is eligible to nominate organizations from his or her district involved in feeding the hungry.

"Ever since 1985 when the Sikeston Bootheel Food Bank first opened, it has provided a ray of sunshine for those in need," the congressman said. "During the disastrous flooding this summer, the Sikeston Bootheel Food Bank once again beamed bright."