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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 Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-33225) 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
   
November 5, 1997