A research project has been launched online to try to establish the extent to which the Christian community across Norfolk is meeting the simple command of Jesus to 'feed the hungry'.

Norfolk Feeds 5000 aims to identify and quantify the work of Christian churches, groups and organisations across Norfolk which help feed the hungry every day of the year through foodbanks, free community meals, homeless projects, soup runs, Messy Church and other activities.

The project is being backed by Celebrate Norfolk, Network Norfolk, Christian Aid, the Diocese of Norwich, Good News for Norwich & Norfolk and Bright Map and is named after the Bible story of the Feeding of the 5000.

Celebrate Norfolk project director, John Betts, said: 'The command of Jesus to feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty is a straightforward and important one. We believe that it is being carried out by faithful Christians across Norfolk every day of the year.

'This project aims to establish the extent of that work and then report back on what we find to inform, educate and encourage those who are involved or interested.'

The projects identified during the survey will also be available on an online map through www.brightmap.org enabling anyone to see activities in their local area and to filter the results by type of provision.

People are being asked to highlight relevant projects which involve food or meals in any format and which are free or available for just a nominal charge. It could be a foodbank, foodbox distribution, a community or church meal, a homeless project, Messy Church or a soup run for example.

They are being told not to worry that someone else may also report on the same project, as organisers will cross-check all the replies.

The survey can be found on the website www.networknorwich.co.uk until March 17.

Anyone with questions can email keith.morris@networknorwich.co.uk.