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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 report
dated March 22, 1999, with respect to AmeriServe Food Distribution, Inc., in the
Post-effective Amendment No. 2 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 30, 1999