Many analysts would argue the economy is improving but there are still those who can't afford the everyday necessities. A nationwide program is seeing an increase in those needing help feeding their families.

More people than not are still cutting back.

"Now we have a budget and every week when we go into the store, we have a list of everything we're going to purchase and how much that will cost so I know how much I'm going to spend," Jamie Smith said.

Jamie Smith isn't the only one watching her finances.

"Almost everyone I know is doing the same thing. It's tough for everyone," Smith said.

Especially tough for more than 28 million Americans who signed up for government help.

More families across the country and throughout KELOLAND are on the food stamp program.

In South Dakota, more than 86,000 people are on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Half of those people are children under the age of 18.

In Minnehaha County, the numbers are up significantly. In 2008 almost 12,000 people took part in the program.  Now more than 18,000 people receive help - almost 9,000 of those kids.

And even those who don't depend on the program, like Jamie Smith, understand its value.

"I think back when the Depression was around, they didn't have anything like that and that's why it got so bad and maybe that's why it's not getting so bad now," Smith said.

"If people are down and out and have the need for it, I personally don't use it but it's there for people who need it so I think it's great," Jennifer Stavenger said.

Those who use the program receive almost $320 a month for food. Last year, families received $243 a month.