Processor Information

Overview

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Direct Diversion Processing Program is an option for all SFAs participating in the USDA Foods Program. Any approved USDA National Processor can apply to participate. Processing in Wisconsin incudes the Direct Diversion Program, Cheese Rebate Program, and State Processing Program. Review the "How to Participate" section below for more information.

Approved processors should use this page to manage the annual timeline and tasks, including annual application, submitting transfer requests and the Monthly Performance Report (MPR). The List of Approved Processors and the SFAs' annual bulk pound commitments will also be housed on this page. See below for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact dpidirectdiversion@dpi.wi.gov .

How to Participate

Every SFA in the USDA Foods program has the option of choosing either the Direct Diversion Processing Program or the State Processing Program during the annual order period in February. Approved USDA National Processors can apply to participate in the Direct Diversion Processing Program with a completed Annual Application that meets WI DPI's Marketing Plan criteria. All value pass through methods are approved for direct diversion each school year. There is a maximum of seven USDA Foods that can be chosen by each processor. Participating processors are responsible for marketing their finished product(s) in Wisconsin. SFAs in direct diversion work with each processor and/or their commercial distributor to obtain the finished end-product(s), pricing, delivery schedule, etc.

Complete and submit an application online through the Wisconsin USDA Foods Ordering System.
- Each processor will be given a unique login and password.
User Manual for Processors
Processor FAQs
List of USDA Material Codes available in WI USDA Foods Ordering System

Transfer Request

To "Request a Transfer" of pounds for the Direct Diversion Program, SFAs should connect with the Processor and/or Broker to discuss options and availability of pounds. The Processor must login to the WI USDA Foods Ordering System and complete the required fields under the Transfer Request menu. All parties such as state, Processor, donor SFA, and recipient SFA are notified throughout the process and the final approval will be determined by the state. Completion of the transfer request relies on the Processor to acknowledge in the WI USDA Foods Ordering System that the request has been made in K12, ProcessorLink, or other system.

SFAs who originally allocated pounds to a Processor can request a transfer after October 1. SFAs who did not originally allocate pounds to a Processor can request a transfer after November 1.

User Manual for Processors - Section 7, page 18

User Manual for SFAs - How to Accept or Decline a Transfer Request

Bulk Pound Commitment Reports