Back in April and May, hundreds of cars lined up in cities around North Carolina for fresh bulk chicken drive-thru sales.

As the country struggled to keep meat on the shelves, some farms turned to these pop-up drive-thru sales of bulk chicken direct from North Carolina farms.

With the July 4 holiday approaching, several bulk chicken sales have returned.

Here's a look at the upcoming bulk-chicken sales, some of which require pre-ordering.

Mountaire Farms

Thursday, July 2 at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville

Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., accepting pre-orders only

Selling 40 lbs. cases of either leg quarters or boneless breasts.

A 40 lb. case of leg quarters will be $23.

A 40 lb. case of boneless breasts for $53.

Chicken cases can be pre-ordered for a July 2 pickup at Segra Stadium between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The pre-order form can be found here.

Thursday, July 2 at in Siler City

Location: St. Julia Catholic Church parking lot, 210 Harold Hart Road

Time: 2 to 6 p.m., accepting pre-orders only. Order by Monday, June 29 at 9 a.m.

Fresh leg quarters are $20 per case.

Frozen boneless breast are $50 per case.

Customers must pre-order here.

House of Raeford Farms

Saturday, June 27 in Wilmington

Location: Grace Baptist Church/Wilmington Christian Academy, 1401 N. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28405

Time: 9 a.m.

Selling 40 lb. cases – Jumbo Party (Cut) Wings $65; Jumbo Tenders $55; Jumbo Boneless Skinless Breasts $50; Jumbo Drumsticks $20; Jumbo Bone-in Skin-on Thighs $20.

Transporting bulk poultry safely

Place cases of meat in an area of the vehicle that can be easily cleaned and sanitized in case of leaks, or lay down a towel or blanket that can be washed.

Bring a cooler and ice packs if traveling long distances to keep poultry at or below 41°F.

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after handling boxes.

Storing bulk poultry safely

Freezing:

Harmful bacteria grow fastest between 41ºF and 135ºF. Minimize time poultry is kept in this range.

Freeze poultry as soon as possible.

Quality can be extended by storing at 0ºF or lower and packaging for frozen storage.

To prep for freezing: Choose containers or wraps like freezer foil or wrap or plastic freezing containers. Wrap first in a layer of plastic wrap or freezer paper, then a layer of foil, then store in a freezer bag or plastic container. Multiple layers will help maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.

Refrigerator:

Raw poultry can be stored in the refrigerator at 41°F or below, and will maintain quality for about 7 days.

Cooked poultry stored at 41°F or below should be consumed within seven days for safety

Always clean and sanitize equipment and surfaces before and after breaking down and packaging poultry, according to the NC State Extension.