Introduction
Mapping store-packed or pre-packed fresh produce to standard PLUs (Price Look-Up codes) ensures more items qualify for eWIC. This helps provide more fresh, nutritious options to families using WIC benefits. For example, a clamshell container of pre-cut mango may not be recognized by the state’s Approved Product List (APL), even though all fresh produce is eWIC-eligible. By mapping this product to the standard PLU for mango, it becomes available for eWIC transactions—supporting both product movement and healthy food access. PLU mapping is especially helpful for:- Pre-packed produce in clamshells or bags.
- Store-packed produce with custom barcodes not found in the APL.
How to Map a PLU to a Fresh Product
This example shows how to add an override for precut mango in the Back Office. Precut mango may use a store-specific barcode not in the APL. Mapping it to PLU4959 (standard for mango) makes it eWIC-eligible.
Directions
To map a product in the Back Office to a standard PLU:- Navigate to Products > Product Catalog and find the item you want to add the override PLU to.
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Open the product’s details, then find the WIC Override PLU field.
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Map the item to the PLU associated with your state’s Approved Product List (APL) for approved WIC products (e.g.,
4959for mango). - Click Save. The item is now eligible for eWIC at the POS.
The EWIC attribute under Product Attributes may still show Not Eligible even after saving. As long as the PLU is entered in the WIC Override PLU field, the item is eligible for eWIC at the POS regardless of what this attribute shows.
Tips for PLU Mapping
- Standard PLUs are universally recognized and often match bulk produce versions.
- PLUs can be confirmed through suppliers or standard PLU directories.
- PLU mapping is not required for eWIC launch but helps increase the number of fresh products available for WIC participants.