Same sales pitch as every other preparedness site on the net - http://beprepared.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_FS%20Y310_A_name_E_Year%20Supply%20of%20Basics. I'm not sure that this constitutes either a gimmick or preying on fears - some folks will buy what is intended as a one year last ditch emergency food supply. The benefit of the Costco package is that it seems to reflect more of the type of foods that your average Costco shopper is more likely to purchase and eat. I'm more of a whole grain guy myself... Most folks wouldn't put on weight on either regimen, their teenagers will rebel and eat them at some point in the year, this is last ditch stuff.