NJ Teen Upset By 'Girly' Marketing Of Easy-Bake Oven To Meet With Toy Maker

GARFIELD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The New Jersey girl, who started a campaign to make a popular cooking toy "less gender-specific" is expected to meet with the company that makes it.

Hasbro said it has invited McKenna Pope, 13, and her family members to meet with the team behind the Easy-Bake Oven in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Earlier this month, CBS 2's Elise Finch spoke with Pope, who said her online petition at Change.org was inspired by her younger brother's affinity for baking.

"Its girls coloration of purple and pink make it seem as though cooking is girly, which it is not by any means," Pope said, reading from her letter to the company. "I urge you to include males on your packaging and feature your product in less gender-specific colors."

Julie Duffy, a public relations executive at Hasbro, said Pope was invited so the company could hear her thoughts and ideas about the product.

The Easy-Bake Oven first hit the market in 1963. While boys have never been featured in the commercials or on the box, Pope said she thinks it's time for that to change.

As of Wednesday afternoon, over 41,000 people have signed the petition.

Some big-name celebrity chefs have also joined in to support Pope's cause, including Bobby Flay.

Pope's meeting with Hasbro is expected to take place sometime next week.

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