I must say that in order to effectively surplus 40 people with enough potions for a week one would have to have a farmer toon in which you would still need to lvl this toon to get efficiant herbs and oils. Which would cause you to be wasting your time for what could be used for lvling your main toon and maintaining a quality main toon with talents, gear, reputation that actually matters, and weaponry.  One could wait until they are lvl 70 nearing end game and like an elder would....take up the 'ol alchemy hobby like fishing in real life.  Naturally Alchemy would be necessary for a toon to aquire in the beginning of a toon's existance but come on....A hunter takes on skinning and leatherworking mainly to make his/her equipment,,, a warrior takes on blacksmithing, Alchemy, and First Aid to give the maximum potential for a warrior,,, a shaman, priest, or druid does tailoring, enchanting, and picks the odd trades while having an alternate player to filter in the void with alchemic potions or buys them AH style.  From me to you I say don't waste your time with surplusing 40 toons besides yourself. (Not that I believe that could actually be done unless you have cheats and that would prove you to be a vulnerable player seeing everyone would know and you'd feel obligated especially if you have a guildship.)  ~Just thoughts~