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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" and
"Selected AmeriServe Historical Financial Data" and to the use of our reports
dated March 24, 1998, with respect to AmeriServe Food Distribution, Inc., in the
Post-effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-1 to the Registration Statement (Form
S-4 No. 333-38337) and related Prospectus of AmeriServe Food Distribution, Inc.
for the registration of $350,000,000 of 8 7/8% Senior Notes.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
April 7, 1998