Affordable chicken is a lot to cluck about in this economy.

On Saturday, the public will be able to take advantage of bulk chicken products for reduced prices as part of Fieldale Farms Corp.'s Truckload Sale.

"Fieldale has always been a major supporter of United Way," said Joy Griffin, vice president of resource development for United Way of Hall County.

"It's just a great deal on some quality chicken that you can't typically buy as a consumer because Fieldale doesn't usually sell to the public."

John Wright, vice president of operations for Fieldale Farms, said the sales have been going on for a number of years.

"These products are those that are not within our customers' specifications," Wright said. "These are products made ready to cook. They're made for fast-food restaurants."

Wright said when Fieldale officials feel chicken products do not meet customers' expectations the products are reserved for an employee sale or a truckload — formerly known as a dock — sale.

Chicken products that might be sold include those that are too big or too small, either in weight or length. All products are sold in 10-pound boxes and prices range anywhere from $10 to $35.

"It's all frozen. It's everything from wings to breast filets, tenders and nuggets," Wright said.

He said the products typically would be good up to a year, so long as they remain frozen until right before cooking. Consumers are advised to perform a "smell test" before cooking any chicken, however, and poultry that smells or looks rancid should be disposed of, even if it has been frozen.

"It's a phenomenal opportunity for someone to buy a product for less than they could find it in retail," Wright said.

The sales are held throughout the year depending on product availability. Last year there were four sales, and two are planned for 2011.

The 2010 sales totaled about $30,000 for United Way. Griffin said the money goes toward the general United Way campaign. United Way volunteers will be working alongside Fieldale employees at the sale.

"It's really a big hit. Last year when we arrived there was already a line formed and it didn't start for 30 minutes," Griffin said. "This is something they do for their United Way campaign. Other businesses may do a dress-down day or a bake sale. Fieldale does a dock sale."