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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Experts" and to the
use of our report dated March 22, 1996, with respect to the financial statements
of AmeriServ Food Company included 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.
 
Dallas, Texas                                                  ERNST & YOUNG LLP
August 6, 1997