How do the author's interviews at Winn-Dixie and Hearthside contribute to the development of ideas in the text, particularly regarding how the world views low-wage workers?

It shows he has life experience and knows what he's talking about

After the author's interviews at Winn-Dixie and Hearthside, she felt a sense of compassion for low-wage workers.

Explanation:

The author interviews at both Winn-Dixie and Heartside as part of her experience. At Winn-Dixie, her interview is performed by a computer, and she is asked questions that attack her personal morality. She is also forced to undergo a urine test. At Heartside, she realizes that the interviewer is uninterested in learning more about her. These experiences cause the author to feel a sense of compassion for low-wage workers.