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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 Amendment No. 2 to the Registration
Statement (Form S-4 No. 33-38337) and related Prospectus of AmeriServe Food
Distribution, Inc. for the registration of $350,000,000 of 8 7/8% Senior Notes.
    
 
Dallas, Texas                                                  ERNST & YOUNG LLP
   
November 10, 1997