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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Experts," "Summary
Selected Financial Data" and "Selected AmeriServe Historical Financial Data" and
to the use of our reports dated August 6, 1997, in the Registration Statement
(Form S-4) and related Prospectus of AmeriServe Food Distribution, Inc. for the
registration of $500,000,000 of 10 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes.
 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin                                           ERNST & YOUNG LLP
August 6, 1997