For many, school starts in just a few short of weeks. Moms are busy buying items for the school supply lists, stocking up on back-to-school clothes and menu planning for brown bag lunches, which can be the most daunting of all. Check out these sites that offer fun and inspirational mid-day meals.

Epicurious – This round-up of healthy recipes and advice are your ace in the hole to fixing easy brown-bag lunches. Try the Turkey Pinwheels, California Tuna Salad Rolls and Extreme Granola. I especially like the tips for picky eaters.

Cooking for Monkeys – This blogger mom is amazing. Themed meals, whimsical shapes and healthy ingredients make winning lunches. Don’t be intimidated by her creativity, the lunches are surprisingly easy to execute with a few simple tools. After reading this blog you’ll rush out to buy a Bento Box and a box of cookie cutters, I guarantee it.

Kaboose – There are lots of great recipes on this site including a clever and nutritious Peanut Butter and Apple sandwich and super-fun Alphabet Pasta Salad. Meal ideas are broken down into four categories for easy inspiration.

Parents.com – Once again this trusted parent site comes to the rescue. I love the thoughtful tips for complete lunches using the colorful and practical Laptop Lunches system. My fave lunches are the Catch of the Day and “Hole” New PB & J.  (A classic kid’s sandwich on a whole-wheat bagel – genius!)