Whether you dream of owning a home, launching a food business or trying to stretch your budget, Josey Pearce Keener is ready to help.
A Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), she offers practical education from the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County office that empowers residents to take control of their finances, improve food safety and build a better future, one skill at a time.
“I have a passion for educating and helping people,” said Keener. “Financial topics once felt intimidating to me, but my path has included agriculture, business and banking—and now I get to bring it all together. From growing up in a ranching family to earning my MBA and working in banking during COVID, these experiences help me relate to a wide range of residents, whether they’re first-time homebuyers, food entrepreneurs or families just trying to make ends meet.”
Keener sees one common thread among many of the people she works with: stress.
“Everyone is overwhelmed. Life doesn’t slow down, but I remind folks that each day is a new opportunity,” she said. “We can’t be or do everything all at once. Setting boundaries and realistic goals is the key to getting through the tough times.”
As part of a state-wide initiative, Keener collaborates with fellow FCS agents to deliver HUD-approved First Time Homebuyer workshops. These workshops guide participants through budgeting, credit, savings, and navigating mortgage options. Keener’s personalized approach helps take the fear out of the process, while the
collective expertise of the team ensures comprehensive support for first-time buyers across Florida.
“I start by understanding their goals. Then we figure out a plan together,” she said.
Beyond budgeting and homeownership, Keener’s work also supports St. Lucie County’s growing community of food-based entrepreneurs. Her training courses cover everything from food safety and cottage food laws to navigating business licenses and writing business plans.
“One of the costliest mistakes I see people make is skipping research,” she explained. “Opening a food business requires permits, licenses and compliance with safety regulations. I’ve seen too many businesses close just weeks after opening because of missed paperwork or unsafe practices. My job is to make sure they start off right.”
Keener also offers creative food education classes that meet people where they are. This fall, she’ll launch “The Canning Equation,” a workshop that blends economics and food preservation with safety and regulatory guidance.
“While health and nutrition aren’t my primary focus, I do love helping folks learn how to eat healthy on a budget,” Keener said. “From meal prep to smart shopping and preserving seasonal produce, there are so many ways to make better food choices without breaking the bank.”
Since joining UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, Keener has already reached more than 750 community members through classes and one-on-one sessions. Her programs are grounded in research and delivered with compassion. When she is not instructing in person, she is blogging tips and offerings designed to keep the community up to speed on the latest science-based information.
“Watching others succeed and learn something new through my guidance is thrilling,” she said. “I enjoy working with community members,
nonprofit organizations and the university to bring research-based education to the county. The role aligns with my personal values, my experiences and my skillset. I have one of the best jobs.”
From creating budgets to canning strawberry jelly, Keener embodies the UF/IFAS Extension mission of bringing science-based solutions to everyday challenges.
“I love to cook, bake, and canned food items. This role really allows me to harness my passion for food and my business background in a unique way,” she said. “If you had told me 5 years ago, I would be helping food businesses grow and develop I wouldn’t believe it. I did not know at the time there was a job out there that would blend my favorite topics into one role.”
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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