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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "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 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